Popular bird-watching locations

Layton Wild Bird Center — 1860 N. 1000 West, Layton.

The center specializes in helping to attract wild birds and nature to the backyard. It also offers Wildlife On Wing tours to popular birding areas. For information, call 891-525-8400 or visit www.wildbird.com/franchisee/lay.

Ogden Nature Center — 966 W. 12th Street, Ogden.

Located in the heart of Ogden, the 152-acre nature preserve and education center is open to the public year-round. Offers 1.5 miles of walking trails, picnic areas, tree houses, bird blinds and an exhibit of live birds of prey. The center offers a wide variety of classes and workshops for all ages, including art, photography, birding, wildlife in Utah, outdoor recreation, conservation, sustainability, summer camps and more. For information, call 801-621-7595 or visit www.ogdennaturecenter.org.

Antelope Island — 4528 W. 1700 South, Syracuse.

Along with offering birdwatching opportunities, features a number of unique wildlife such as buffalo, antelope and bighorn sheep. For information, call 800-773-2941 or visit www.stateparks.utah.gov.

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge — 2155 W. Forest Street, Brigham City.

The refuge protects the marshes found at the mouth of the Bear River. These marshes are the largest freshwater component of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem. Since these marshes are surrounded by arid desert lands, the refuge has always been an oasis for waterfowl. The refuge road is closed until Sept. 15. Guided tours provide an alternative opportunity to view wildlife. For information, call 435-734-6425 or visit www.fws.gov/bearriver/.

Ogden Bay Waterfowl Management Area — South of Hooper on 5600 South, Weber County.

This 20,000-acre wetland is a mecca for waterfowl and birders to view birds such as grebes, herons, sandpipers, ducks, geese and gulls. About 15,000 ducks are born each year, with the most common species being cinnamon teal, gadwall, mallard, pintail and northern shoveler. Hikers can access the dike roads all year, and the vehicle loop also stays open. For information, call 801-733-1398 or visit www.wildlife.utah.gov/waterfowl/forecasts/ogden_bay.php.

Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area — 1325 W. Glover Lane (925 South), Davis County.