[Birdnet] Willard Bay: North, South, West, and East

[kristinpurdy at comcast.net]

I birded four sides of Willard Reservoir in Box Elder County today--north, the farm pond north of the park; south, a brief stop at the south marina; east, a walk along the nature trail at the main state park; and west, the open marshy area west of the west dike. 

Best birds were west of Willard Bay and included several COMMON TERNS, two SEMI-PALMATED SANDPIPERS and a GREAT EGRET. There were 13 additional shorebird species including Killdeer, stilts and avocets, both yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpiper, Long-billed Curlews, Marbled Godwits, Western Sandpiper, a decent-sized flock of Least Sandpipers, Baird's Sandpipers, far-away dowitchers, and Wilson's Phalaropes. Black Terns remain in good numbers and most have adopted winter plumage. 

The farm pond didn't have much going on and I was disturbed to see the Black-crowned Night-heron's favorite Russian Olives that used to overhang the pond have been removed. But a juvenile night-heron was still present, along with a handful of Double-crested Cormorants and a Spotted Sandpiper. 

The park produced six warbler species including Orange-crowned, Nashville, Yellow, Yellow-rumped, Wilson's, and a Common Yellowthroat (south marina).

Other passerines included Western Wood-pewee, Dusky Flycatcher, Warbling Vireos and Western Tanagers. 

Both the south marina and the area west of the reservoir can be reached from I-15 exit 351. Turn west off the exit ramp and then west again on 4000 N in Farr West. Follow the signs to the south marina, remain on 4000N and continue west to get to the far side of Willard Bay. Once 4000N. ends, turn right (north) and left (west) and generally parallel Willard Reservoir's south dike while heading west. Make the last turn north at Harold Crane WMA; you'll see water on your left in a couple bumpy miles. The Common Terns were on the ground with a flock of gulls and Forster's Terns just before the water. 

The main park and the north pond are located at I-15 exit 357. 

Kris
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