Great Salt Lake Birding and Nature Adventure
Description
The Great Salt Lake is home to millions of breeding waterbirds, and hosts even more during migration offering a unique look at birdlife unlike anywhere else in states. No visit to Utah is complete without a visit to the lake—“Americas Dead Sea”. Our Great Salt Lake Birding and Nature Tour is a perfect opportunity to visit the Great Salt Lake and learn about the Flora and Fauna of this wonder of the world.
Tour Options
Itinerary
It goes without saying, that any visit to Utah isn't complete with going to the Great Salt Lake. By and far the most requested destination for birders visiting Utah, we have come up with a few options to give any birder a nice introduction to the lake. The lake is the largest remnant of Lake Bonneville, a prehistoric pluvial lake that once covered much of western Utah. In terms of surface area, it is the largest lake in the United States that is not one of the Great Lakes.
No matter the time of year, we always start things off by visiting the actual lake via the Antelope Island Causway. Despite record low water levels the past few years the causeway still provides a great intro to the birds of the Great Salt Lake. Year-round we will see the Utah State Bird--the California Gull--ask us about the history and we'll happily share the story of this unique state bird! Moving on to the island we'll spend some time looking for American Bison, Pronghorn, Coyote, Burrowing Owl, and Great Horned Owl among other species!
Here where freshwater meets salt, the brackish areas create an incredible abundance of food, and in turn an increidble number of bird speceis. In the winter Bald Eagles congregate here along wiht gulls, and numerous species of waterfowl. During migration 50-60 species of birds can be seen in a rather short period of time as waterbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, waders, and divers fuel up on their wasy north and south. In the summer, breeders like Clark's Grebe, Western Grebe, Sandhill Crane, Common Yellowthroat, and Virginia Rail are all possible. If you only have a few hours to go birding and want a taste of what the lake has to offer, this excursion is a perfect way to get acquainted.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(5)
Because I had booked my hotel per Pitta's recommendation, I was picked up the night of our Flammulated Owl tour at the hotel right on time. Tim Avery is very easy to go with and talk to and extremely knowledgable on all things birds. We learned a lot in between spots. The night was a bit windy making vocalization difficult to hear, but Tim found a relatively calm area and voila - the Flammy came out. There was a little perserverance involved but ultimately we not only heard the owl, but were able to get photographs as well which was beyond expectations. All in all it was a great experience.
My guide, Quincy, was wonderful; he arrived right on time to pick me up at my hotel. He is an experienced guide with extensive knowledge of bird habitats. He took me to two locations where I thoroughly enjoyed birdwatching, and later—at my request—he dropped me off at the Aviary, which he happily did.
We had a wonderful morning of great birding with Pitta Tours. Our guide was professional, knowledgeable and a ton of fun. As we had no transportation, we were even picked up at our hotel. I am hoping to travel back to the area in the future and will certainly book another trip with Pitta!
We took a two-day, one evening (owling) birding tour with Pitta tours. Quinn was our guide. He was excellent! Quinn was very nice and very knowledgeable. We went as a group, two birders and two first-timers. We got 131 species in two days. It was an absolute pleasure, and we would highly recommend Quinn, Tim and Pitta tours!
I would highly recommend a birding outing with this company. I spent 6 hours with Quinn and loved every minute of it. Even in March the diversity of birds was fantastic. I saw 22 new species in one half day! Quinn is super professional and knowledgeable and just a sweet heart of a guy. Worth the money spent for sure!
Thank you so much for the review! We love having Quinn at Pitta and are glad you enjoyed your time with him in the field!
