Sandhill Crane Viewing Day

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Dinosaur National Monument and several local, state and federal organizations and volunteers are working together to host this year’s annual Sandhill Crane Viewing Day. Come and scope out the local hot spots for seeing migratory sandhill cranes in the Uintah Basin! This event is free, and it is a great outing for the whole family.

What to bring:

• Your vehicle. Driving to viewing sites will be required during both event times.
• Binoculars or spotting scopes. We will supply a limited amount of gear, but we encourage you to bring your own. Disinfectant wipes will be provided to clean the supplied gear between users.
• A camera. Use a telephoto lens for quality images.
• Snacks and water. Come prepared for a long day outside, and make sure to dress appropriately for the weather.

Schedule of Events:

To maximize viewing opportunities in different parts of the basin, we are offering two different viewings at the beginning and end of the day. Please register for this event so we can accurately get a count to prepare for the number of vehicles that will be attending. You may choose to attend one or both times/locations for this event. Locations may produce varying numbers of birds.

• 7–9 a.m. event: Meet at Jensen Park, and then travel to fields near the Green River in Jensen, Utah.
• 5–7 p.m. event: Meet at the commuter parking lot at the intersection of Highway 40 and State Route 88 (Ouray turn-off) between Vernal and Roosevelt, and then travel to Ouray National Wildlife Refuge and Pelican Lake.

Directions:

7–9 a.m. event: Jensen Park (8775 E. 6000 South, Jensen, UT).

• Tucked just off the highway between Naples, Utah, and the Colorado border is Jensen Park. The park offers access to a pavilion, electricity, water, horseshoe pits and a basketball court. Restrooms are available nearby.

5–7 p.m. event: Please meet at the commuter parking lot at the intersection of Highway 40 and State Route 88 (Ouray turn-off) between Vernal and Roosevelt.

• From Vernal: Drive east on Highway 40 approximately 12 miles to the Ouray turn-off at State Route 88. The parking lot is located on the south side of Highway 40 at the intersection.
• From Roosevelt: Drive west on Highway 40 approximately 13 miles to the Ouray turn-off at state Route 88. The parking lot is located on the south side of Highway 40 at the intersection.

For both viewing times, look for DWR event signs as you get close to direct you to the meeting area.

Event Contacts:

Tonya Kieffer-Selby | 801-995-2972 | tonyakieffer@utah.gov

Anthony Christianson | 435-828-0008 | achristianson@utah.gov

Partners:

Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service and Dinosaur National Monument (NPS).