Salt Lake City: A Top Birdwatching Destination

Utah beckons nature lovers from around the globe with its five national parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capital Reef, and Zion. From towering hoodoos to deep canyons and otherworldly landscapes, each park offers something unique. While Utah’s capital, Salt Lake City is often considered an ideal basecamp for exploring the state’s abundance of natural wonders, the city itself enjoys its own treasures of nature.  Ideally situated between the spectacular Wasatch Mountains to the east and the glistening waters of the Great Salt Lake to the west, nature surrounds the city. With plentiful parks, hiking and biking trails, and the Great Salt Lake folded into the city, outdoor pursuits abound.

One that you may not associate with Salt Lake City is birding. It turns out that Salt Lake City is situated on the north/south migration highway for millions of birds. The Great Salt Lake, along with the lakes in the surrounding mountains, provides an ideal birdwatching destination. Here are a few places to look for your feathered friends while visiting Salt Lake City.

Great Salt Lake

A vital stop for migratory birds, the Great Salt Lake is internationally recognized as one of the most important birdwatching destinations in North America. Its vast wetlands, marshes, and open water provide a rich feeding and nesting ground for millions of birds each year. The unique saline environment is rich in brine shrimp and other invertebrates, supporting a high concentration of bird life.

A major attraction, American white pelicans–with their large unmistakable wingspans made a significant return to Hat Island this year. They nested here for the first time since 1943 after moving from Gunnison Islands. Other notable species include western sandpipers, snowy plovers, northern shovelers, and various shorebirds that rely on the lake for rest and refueling during migration. The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, located at the northern tip of the lake, is particularly renowned for its diversity and sheer numbers of birds, especially during the spring and fall migrations.

Antelope Island

The largest of ten islands located within the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island harbors many species of birds. Millions of birds congregate along the shores surrounding Antelope island, making it an unparalleled birdwatching destination. Some live on the island year-round, while others make it a stop on their seasonal migratory journeys. Species on Antelope Island include barn owls, burrowing owls, chukar partridge, long-billed curlews, sage thrashers, northern harriers, and western meadowlarks. Several species of hummingbirds arrive during the migration seasons. Consider hiking along one of the many trails on the island to spot birds and wildlife. Antelope Island is home to free-ranging bison, mule deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn (antelope), and many other desert animals.

Tracy Aviary

As the oldest aviary in the United States, Tracy Aviary provides an intimate setting for bird enthusiasts. Here you can explore over 135 species of birds, ranging from local favorites to exotic species. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the aviary emphasizes both conservation and education. A popular draw, the free-flight bird shows give visitors an up-close view of birds in action. Notable species include the bald eagle, scarlet ibis, and various species of owls and parrots.

Set in a serene wooded environment, the aviary offers visitors a tranquil escape, while still being located in Liberty Park, one of Salt Lake City’s most beloved green spaces. In addition to birdwatching, the aviary plays a vital role in educating the public about bird conservation through workshops, family programs, and summer camps.

Red Butte Garden

Though primarily known as Utah’s largest botanical garden, Red Butte Garden offers an excellent environment for birdwatching as well. The garden’s extensive plant collections and over 21 acres of cultivated gardens provide food and shelter for a variety of birds. Its natural areas feature a blend of wooded and scrubland habitats, creating an ideal setting for native and migratory birds. Visitors may also spot species like hummingbirds, goldfinches, and various types of warblers and sparrows.

The garden’s tranquil atmosphere is complemented by the presence of blooming flora.  Year-round activities like the outdoor concert series and various educational workshops add to the experiences. The diverse landscape within Red Butte Garden, from manicured gardens to wild, uncultivated areas, makes it a top spot for birders, especially during spring and fall migrations.

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