Updated Sep 28
Pictured: Fish Springs Refuge · typical peak lookUtahwinter wildlife
When does migrating and wintering wildlife peak in Utah?
Migrating and wintering wildlife usually peaks from September to March.
Updated Sep 28.
Places by state
Utah
- Fish Springs RefugeStarts in ~2 weeks
Local timing: Oct 15–Jan 31
Official reports
Dated and linked
- Sep 28Park ServiceTundra swans mid-October into January; harriers, rough-legged hawks and short-eared owls December to March; spring shorebirdsSource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge: Species (Seasons of Wildlife) in a new tab)
- Sep 28Park ServiceAuto Tour Route; remote gravel-road access, winter travel, GPS warningSource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us in a new tab)
- Sep 28Park ServiceOpen sunrise to sunset; where walking and wildlife watching are allowed (Thomas Ranch Watchable Wildlife Area); parking, camping, dogsSource (opens U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge: Rules and Policies in a new tab)
How do you track winter wildlife? Each place moves through 4 stages: Birds arriving, Numbers building, Peak numbers and Birds departing. Every stage we show comes from a dated report with its source, and every forecast lists its sources.