The Annual Great Salt Lake Bird Festival in Davis County
May 14-17, 2026
Welcome to the wild side of spring. Each year, millions of migrating birds touch down along the Great Salt Lake, and Davis County puts you right in the middle of the action.
About the Festival
Every May, the Great Salt Lake Bird Festival transforms Davis County into a birder’s playground. Since 1999, the festival has celebrated one of North America’s most important migration routes with field trips, workshops, family activities, and hands-on conservation experiences. The festival is headquartered at Western Sports Park in Farmington, the central hub for registration, vendors, workshops, and community events. Think migration magic, expert guides, and plenty of birder bucket-list moments packed into Utah’s best birding event.
Festival
Schedule
Official Website
Activities
Birding hotspots & Sanctuaries
In Davis County, top-notch birding is never far. Explore wetlands, state parks, foothills, ponds, and even birding boardwalks, all within minutes of your hotel.
Antelope island state park
A migration superstar. Shorebirds, songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl gather along the shoreline and mudflats, making this one of Utah’s most diverse birding destinations. Bring your binoculars and get ready for spectacular sightings.
Eccles Wildlife Education Center
Herons nesting, ibis lifting off, and raptors cruising the thermals make Farmington Bay a favorite for birders. More than 250 species frequent these wetlands, and the Eccles Center boardwalks provide easy ways to explore.
Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve
A 4,400-acre sanctuary with a boardwalk loop, an immersive audio tour, and an iconic observation tower. Visit at sunrise or sunset for striking silhouettes of wading birds.
More Spots Worth Exploring
Woodland Park:
A quiet, tree-filled sanctuary with a winding creek and shaded viewing spots where songbirds, woodpeckers, and raptors appear throughout the day.
Bountiful Pond:
An accessible one-mile loop with diverse habitats that draw migratory shorebirds, raptors, and waterfowl, ideal for relaxed but productive birding.
Jensen Nature Park:
A peaceful park with paved trails and multiple ponds that attract wintering waterfowl, along with reliable year-round sightings of the Great-tailed Grackle.
Kaysville East Mountain Wilderness Park:
140 acres in the foothills of the Rocky Mountain range, with winding trails and flowing creeks that attract migrating mountain songbirds, including tanagers, grosbeaks, and orioles.
Andy Adams Reservoir:
A scenic pond with marshy edges where ducks, herons, and shorebirds gather.
Mueller Park:
A foothill retreat with lush riparian habitat offering sweeping views of Davis County and the Great Salt Lake.
USU Botanical Center Ponds:
A beautiful mix of gardens, arboretum paths, and ponds that create easy birding for all ages, especially for spotting waterfowl, woodpeckers, and seasonal songbirds.
Where to Stay
Rest easy knowing the best birding in Utah is just a short drive away. Staying in Davis County means shorter morning commutes, smoother schedules, and more time enjoying the habitats that brought you here. Choose from walkable hotels next to festival headquarters at Western Sports Park or options near top birding spots and wildlife preserves.
Dining Near Festival Headquarters
Festival HQ sits right next to Station Park, a walkable shopping and dining village filled with restaurants, patios, coffee spots, and local favorites. Grab one of Seven Brothers’ famous burgers, a caffeine fix at Bonnie & Clyde’s, or settle in for fresh, seasonal plates at WildFin American Grill before the next outing.
Keep the Adventure Going
Birding brings you here, but the adventure does not stop when you put the binoculars down. Fill your afternoons or extend your trip with amusement parks, mountain trails, art stops, and family-friendly finds, all close to your birding basecamp.
Know Before You Go: Festival FAQs
Birding brings you here, but the adventure does not stop when you put the binoculars down. Fill your afternoons or extend your trip with amusement parks, mountain trails, art stops, and family-friendly finds, all close to your birding basecamp.
How do I get to Davis County?
Davis County is an easy 20 to 30-minute drive north of Salt Lake City International Airport. Major routes, including I-15, make it simple to reach festival headquarters and top birding sites.
Is it easy to get around once I’m there?
Yes. Most birding hotspots are only a short drive apart. Boardwalks, viewing platforms, and well-marked trails keep many locations accessible for all experience levels.
What should I bring for the best birding experience?
Binoculars are a must. Layers, sunscreen, water, sturdy footwear, and a spotting scope for distant shorebirds will serve you well. A field notebook or birding app helps you keep track of what you spot.
What type of weather should I expect?
Spring mornings can be cool near the wetlands and warmer by midday, so layers are your friend. Calm weather is common, but breezy days are part of the Great Salt Lake charm.
What time of day is best for birding?
Early mornings are golden. Birds are active, lighting is perfect, and the wetlands feel alive. That said, sunset at the Shorelands Preserve is a crowd favorite for a reason.
Is the festival good for kids or first-timers?
Definitely. Many outings are beginner-friendly, and festival headquarters at Western Sports Park features hands-on activities, free workshops, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
How close is lodging to festival activities?
Most hotels are within minutes of Western Sports Park, the Antelope Island causeway, Farmington Bay, and the Shorelands Preserve. Early mornings become much easier when everything is nearby.
Will I actually see a lot of birds?
Yes. The Great Salt Lake sits on a major migration route, and millions of birds stop here each spring. Even a short walk along a boardwalk can turn into a photo-worthy moment.