Originally Posted On: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jaredranahan/2025/02/28/for-top-tier-birdwatching-head-to-utahs-great-salt-lake/

While Utah draws tourists in droves each year to explore its towering mountains, craggy canyons and steep ski slopes, it’s not just humans that can be encountered during a trip to the Beehive State. There’s a wealth of fascinating bird species that can be found all across its boundaries, and while birdwatching destinations span from Lytle Ranch to the Idaho border, few sites can match the splendor of the Great Salt Lake. From the lakefront itself to the many natural attractions found in the surrounding area, this historic region is perfect for a foray into the rich biodiversity found all across the state of Utah.

Antelope Island

A burrowing owl standing on a fence post around brown grassThe burrowing owl can be found within the interior of Antelope Island State Park.

In spite of its high levels of salinity, Utah’s Great Salt Lake harbors all sorts of resident and migratory bird species throughout the year—and for anyone wishing to discover the rich biodiversity of the region firsthand, Antelope Island is the perfect spot. Officially designated a state park in 1969, this picturesque preserve boasts 109 square kilometers of land to explore, with vast swathes of prairie and wetland habitats found within its boundaries. In the interior of the park, visitors can marvel at California quails, chukars and even the occasional golden eagle, but for best results, be sure to spend some time on the shoreline.

Antelope Island’s salt-caked coast is the perfect breeding ground for both brine shrimp and brine flies, and this natural buffet serves as a major draw for all sorts of eye-catching species. There’s a particularly impressive array of shorebirds to be found during a visit, with sanderlings, long-billed curlews and black-necked stilts all residing within the region, while Antelope Island is also a top spot for seeing huge flocks of California gulls, a raucous creature that’s served as the Utah state bird since 1955. And when it comes to truly impressive animals, the lake also boasts huge numbers of American white pelicans, with the Great Salt Lake serving as a crucial breeding site for these birds during the spring.

Visit Salt Lake (VSL) is the private, nonprofit Destination Sales & Experience Organization (DSXO) dedicated to recruiting, retaining, and activating conventions, meetings, sporting events and leisure travel that fuels the region’s visitor economy. In partnership with Salt Lake County, hoteliers, members and public-sector stakeholders, VSL helps generate $6.15 billion in annual visitor spending, $575 million in direct tax revenue and $1,700 in household tax savings while supporting more than 56,000 jobs. By championing Salt Lake's authentic urban-meets-mountain identity, VSL creates transformative experiences that benefit the community and visitors alike. For more information, visit www.VisitSaltLake.com.