SALT LAKE CITY — February is the best time of the year to see bald eagles — one of America’s most iconic birds — and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is hosting several viewing events.
According to the division, the birds fly to Utah in the winter to find food and escape colder conditions farther north. By the time February arrives, hundreds of eagles can be found in the state.
Each viewing event is free, and spotting scopes will be available at each location. However, participants are encouraged to bring their own scope or a pair of binoculars. Participants can also get a free, collectible Bald Eagle Month pin at the events.
The viewing parties will be held at the following times and locations:
• Saturday, Feb. 1, 8 a.m. to noon, at Rush Lake Ranch, located at 9600 N. Minersville Highway (state Route 130). The ranch is located about 12 miles north of Cedar City.
• Saturday, Feb. 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fountain Green State Fish Hatchery, 700 N. Big Springs Road in Fountain Green, Sanpete County.
Those coming from the north should take I-15 and take Exit 225. Turn east on state Route 132 and travel about 10 miles. About a mile before reaching Fountain Green, a sign will point to an access road that leads to the hatchery.
Once there, participants will receive a map of the Sanpete Valley that highlights the best areas to view eagles. Literature, displays and bathroom facilities will also be available at the hatchery.
• Saturday, Feb. 8, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area, about 10 miles northwest of Corinne, Box Elder County.
To reach the management area, take I-15 to Exit 365, and travel west on state Route 83 through Corinne and continue on to 6800 West. Turn right on 6800 West, and travel north to 6800 North. The management area’s Compton’s Knoll Watchable Wildlife site will be on the left.
• Saturday, Feb. 8, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area, 1325 W. Glovers Lane (925 South), Farmington.
Participants can learn more about bald eagles, get close to live raptors brought to the event by members of the Utah Falconers Association, and do an eagle-themed art activity.
To help vegetation in the ponds at the wetlands, managers kill invasive carp each winter. However, neither Farmington Bay nor Salt Creek will be treated, so there might be fewer dead carp for the eagles to eat resulting in fewer birds to see.
• Saturday, Feb. 8, 8 a.m. to noon, Ouray National Wildlife Refuge headquarters, 19001 E. Wildlife Refuge Road in Randlett, Uintah County.
To reach the site, travel on U.S. 40 about 14 miles west of Vernal or about 13 miles east of Roosevelt, and turn south on state Route 88. Travel south for 14 miles, and then turn left into the refuge entrance. The refuge headquarters is 1 mile down the road. Bathroom facilities will be open at the refuge.
While all events are free, participants are encouraged to register in advance on eventbrite.com by searching for “bald eagle” to find individual events.