OSPREY VIEWING DAY

Osprey, the large fish-eating birds found in Utah, will be the focus of a free wildlife viewing field trip July 23 in Summit County.

With their 5-foot wingspan, the ospreys are expected to be easy to see. Those attending may also see turkey vultures and great blue herons, said Bob Walters, watchable wildlife coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources.

Those attending should meet at the Rockport Reservoir dam from 6 to 7 p.m.

To reach Rockport, travel on I-80 to Wanship and go south on state Road 32 to the dam.

Participants will follow Walters in their own vehicles to viewing sites in and near Coalville, Wanship and Rockport State Park.

Those planning to attend should call Walters at 801-538-4771 to make arrangements.

Some binoculars and spotting scopes will be available.

Ospreys are highly specialized to capture fish. Their outer toe is reversible, and their talons are covered with sharp hooks on the lower surface that allow them to grasp slippery fish in the water.

ELK TAGS ON SALE

Cow elk tags not taken in an earlier drawing will be available on July 22.

Hunters can have two elk hunting permits in Utah, but at least one of those permits must be a cow elk permit.

Those buying a second elk permit can meet any of the following requirements:

• Those with a cow elk permit can obtain a second cow elk permit.

• Those with a bull elk permit or an archery elk permit but who haven't obtained a cow elk permit can now obtain a cow elk permit.

• Those who have not purchased an elk permit can obtain two cow elk permits. Those who do buy two can't buy a bull elk or an archery elk permit.

• Those who purchased a cow elk permit but haven't obtained a bull elk or archery elk permit can buy a bull elk or an archery elk permit.

Permits will be available, starting at 8 a.m. on July 22, on www.wildlife.utah.gov, from more than 350 hunting license agents and at DWR offices.

TAPEWORMS IN FISH

Anglers at Scofield Reservoir may find what appears to be lengths of white ribbon in the trout they clean. At times, a strip of wiggling white thread may also be seen in the trout's eye.

In all likelihood, the fish has Asian tapeworm.

Anglers needn't worry, though. Cooked properly, the fish is safe to eat. Tapeworms are found at waters in Utah and across the nation.

Birds are the tapeworms' primary and most important host. The tapeworm is spread when birds shed tapeworm eggs in their feces. The eggs are picked up by tiny aquatic animals known as zooplankton. Fish get the worm by eating the zooplankton. Then birds eat fish that have the worm, and the cycle continues.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Utah Department of Health have verified that tapeworms do not present a health risk to humans.

For more information call the nearest DWR office or the main office at 801-538-4700.