Around this time last year Howard and I were staying at Willard Bay State Park in Willard, Utah and while there we visited Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. Since I haven’t taken any interesting photos here at home, I thought I would share with you a few from our visit to this gorgeous area. To view my original posts, visit these web-sites Bear River and More from Bear River and Willard Bay.
We had an exciting time traveling last summer, visited some beautiful areas and saw lots of wildlife; however, so far this spring and summer it has been wonderful just relaxing here at home. I need to capture a few photos from around here to share!
High above the marsh as we walk along the boardwalk toward the entrance to the bird refuge, tall reeds wave gently in the breeze below, showing off their summer colors.
I can hear birds singing. As we stop to take in the surrounding beauty, I spot Barn Swallows performing their acrobatics, Dragonflies trying to stay out of their reach and these gorgeous Yellow-headed Blackbirds singing their welcome.
There are several and we are delighted. It has been many years since we have seen the Yellow-headed Blackbird. The brightly colored males are sitting among the swaying reeds, showing off their handsomeness for us.
The lovely female, with her muted patch of gold, is busy catching Dragonflies for her babies. We stand in awe watching these birds. Finally, the female becomes brave, perhaps knowing we are not a threat, and delivers her mouthful of bugs to her babies.
Down she goes into the reeds and out of sight. We can’t see the nest even though we try diligently to get a glimpse; they have done a masterful job of hiding their nursery.
Yellow-headed BlackbirdIts a warm day and the birds are hotLooking for bugsSitting proudlyYellow-headed Blackbird (female)Got a bug!Down she goes to feed her baby.Near the Visitor Center
For all you birders out there, please go to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge web-site and take a look! Better yet, if you are ever in this area stop in for a visit, you won’t be disappointed. It is located just north of Willard, Utah. I know you will enjoy seeing this gorgeous refuge.
We enjoyed this view of Willard Mountain from our site.
Willard Bay State Park, Site 61
Willard Bay is a lovely Utah State Park with nice pull-thru and back-in sites. Lots to do in this park, one of which is to walk down a trail to Willard Bay and enjoy swimming, fishing and boating. Wish I had time to write more about the park, but I don’t.
If interested go out to their web-site http://stateparks.utah.gov/park/willard-bay-state-park and learn more about this state park.
The only complain about the park is traffic noise, because it is located just off I-84.
One of the first things you notice upon entering the small town of Willard is how quaint and clean it is. Same goes for Willard Bay State Park and the lovely, historical town of Brigham City just to the north. We spend two nights at Willard Bay and I wish we would have had more time to tour around the area.
A small bog in the park
The park, with its large selection of trees and scrubs, offers great nesting and food sources for the birds.
~
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
On our second day we took a ride to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge just to the north toward Brigham City. I admit, I haven’t been to a lot of refuges, but Bear River is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. In the Hansen educational center we watched a film showcasing the importance of this refuge for migrating birds and others that nest here.The film was breathtaking!
Please go out, if interested, and read about this Refuge at http://www.fws.gov/refuge/bear_river_migratory_bird_refuge.
James V. Hansen Wildlife Education Center
“Welcome to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge”
Cliff Swallow
“Welcome to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge”
A White Pelican
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
It must be spectacular to visit in the spring and fall when the refuge is filled with thousands of migrating birds!
~
Local Bing Cherries
As the locals told us “the cherries are on, so make sure you stop and get some”. Well that is exactly what we did. After leaving the bird refuge we found one of the recommended fruit stands and purchased not only Bing Cherries, but some Apricots. The landscape, in this area, is filled with Cherry Trees.
~
I took lots of photos while visiting the refuge and I look forward to sharing this beautiful area with you!
Wolf Song Blog 