See Bald Eagles, Snow Geese, Big Lake Trout

Photo by Lynn Chamberlain

Several special events in February provide the opportunity to see some of Utah's spectacular wildlife.

Utah Bald Eagle Day - Feb 8

Many bald eagles spend the winter in Utah and congregate in predictable locations this time of year. Wildlife biologists will be on hand at these locations to help people see and learn about this majestic bird.

Utah's Division of Wildlife Resources hosts viewing events at these locations. Click here for more details.

• Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area (Compton's Knoll), located about 10 miles northwest of Corinne in northern Utah
• Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area, located on the west side of Farmington at 1325 W. Glover Lane (925 South)
• Fountain Green State Fish Hatchery, located east of Nephi
• Split Mountain/Green River, located north of Jensen and below the Dinosaur Quarry in Dinosaur National Monument (DNM).
• Rush Lake Ranch, located on the Minersville highway (SR-130) about 12 miles north of Cedar City.

In addition, the Bear River Bird Refuge will host several events including a live eagle presentation by the Ogden Nature Center. More details.

Delta Snow Goose Festival - Feb 21-22

During mid- and late-February, thousands of beautiful snow geese migrate through the Delta area in west-central Utah. They stop in area files and rest on local reservoirs. It is often possible to see hundreds of birds and to get amazing photos. See the snow goose video below. More details.

Ice Fish and Learn About Lake Trout

Several ice fishing events will take place during the next couple weeks including a free fishing clinic on Feb 8 at Fish Lake. This lake, located in central Utah, is populated by several game fish including large lake trout. DWR biologists will be available to help people learn to ice fish, and learn about lake trout:

You can learn how to fish through the ice at a free ice fishing clinic on Saturday, Feb. 8 at Fish Lake. Division of Wildlife Resources biologists will teach about ice fishing, tackle, bait, ice safety, drilling holes and fishing techniques! Bait, tackle and fishing poles will be available for those who don't have ice fishing equipment.

The clinic will begin at 8 a.m. Although our exact location on the ice will depend on ice conditions, you'll be able to see our banners and setup from the main road. To participate, you will need to have a valid Utah fishing license.

Some other fishing events are listed below: More details.

• Wasatch Back Quad-fishalon Deer Creek Event - Feb 8
• Wasatch Back Quad-fishalon Rockport Event - Feb 15
• Fourth Annual Steinaker Ice Fishing Derby - Feb 15

Below is video from the 2012 Snow Goose Festival