Locals may not realize their luck! While bird watchers travel hundreds and sometimes
thousands of miles to hear the rattling call and see the unique dance of a certain large
migratory bird, the experience is just a short drive away for those living in the Uintah
Basin. Fall is the perfect time to see and hear the sandhill crane. “Sandhill cranes flock to
the Uintah Basin during migration and are very easy to spot in the fields here,” shares
DWR Northeastern Region Outreach Manager Tonya Kieffer-Selby. “They have a
crimson crown and gray body, and at about 4 feet tall, they’re one of the largest migratory
birds in the world. They also have loud voices that can be heard up to 2.5 miles away.” To
enjoy the experience of seeing these in the wild, join one of two viewing events
happening on October 12th. For the first, meet at the Jensen Nature Park before 7am for
an auto tour that will travel to fields near the Green River in Jensen. The second viewing
event will happen on October 12th from 5 to 7pm. Meet at the commuter parking lot
along Highway 40 and State Route 88 to head to the Ouray National Wildlife Refuge.
Visit wildlife.utah.gov for more information.
