Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Complex supports Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge & Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge habitats and wildlife.

For the official information about Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge go to http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Bear_River_Migratory_Bird_Refuge/

The Wildlife Education Center is open Tuesday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and Saturdays, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Our 12-mile Auto Tour Loop is open everyday from sunrise to sunset.

June is National Rivers Month! 💧Today, the Refuge wanted to highlight the incredible Bear River. This river flows almost...
06/12/2026

June is National Rivers Month! 💧

Today, the Refuge wanted to highlight the incredible Bear River. This river flows almost 500 miles, starting in the Uinta Mountains and ending at the Great Salt Lake.

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is located where the Bear River meets the Great Salt Lake, and serves as the largest freshwater component of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem. As an oasis for birds on long migrations, these wetlands would not exist without the crucial flow of water from the Bear River.

Today, and throughout the month of June, the Refuge celebrates the Bear River and the thousands of other important rivers throughout the United States. Happy National Rivers Month! ☀

PHOTO: Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in November of 2025/Olivia Ellenbecker/USFWS

There are many different forms of outdoor recreation permitted at the Refuge including hunting, fishing, wildlife watchi...
06/10/2026

There are many different forms of outdoor recreation permitted at the Refuge including hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, environmental education, and photography to name a few. In order to keep these activities safe and enjoyable for all of the Refuge's visitors and wildlife, it is important to follow posted signs and regulations.

Recently, Refuge staff have noticed an increase in motorized vehicles driving through designated closed areas. Under Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations (50 CFR 27.31), all off-road and motorized vehicle travel is strictly prohibited on National Wildlife Refuge’s unless specifically designated. At Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, visitors may only drive on designated roads including the Auto Tour Route, along Forest Street, and in marked parking areas.

While there are some places within the Refuge that may look like a road or trail, these are often service roads used by staff to conduct water and habitat management tasks and are not open to other vehicles. Entry to many of these service roads are blocked with a gate or cable, and all of them have posted signs that state road regulations such as “Area Beyond this Sign Closed.” The use of a non-designated roadway or entry into a closed area can result in a trespassing violation (50 CFR 26.21).

As you are recreating out on the Refuge, staff ask that you please follow all posted regulations to ensure that all visitors can enjoy their public lands and so that wildlife have a safe habitat to live in.

For more information:
50 CFR 27.31: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-27/subpart-C/section-27.31
50 CFR 26.21: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-26/subpart-B/section-26.21

PHOTOS: Vehicle Tracks in Closed Areas/Michael Dunphy/USFWS

Last week, Refuge staff assisted with a biocontrol project! 🌿Biocontrol w**d management is the use of living organisms t...
06/09/2026

Last week, Refuge staff assisted with a biocontrol project! 🌿

Biocontrol w**d management is the use of living organisms that are natural enemies of w**ds to reduce w**d populations. Last week, Refuge staff released Poison Hemlock moths that will help manage Poison Hemlock at the Refuge.

Poison Hemlock was brought to the United States from Europe to be used in gardening and has spread throughout the United States. All parts of the plant are toxic to humans and mammals.

The moths released at the Refuge have no known food source besides Poison Hemlock and can be very effective in controlling this noxious w**d. 🌿

This is a partnership with the Northern Utah W**d Control Association, and the Refuge is excited to be working together to help manage invasives in Northern Utah!

PHOTO: Refuge Staff Releasing Poison Hemlock Moths/Gabrielle Johnson/USFWS

From early April to late September, the yellow-headed blackbird can be spotted frequently at the Refuge's Visitor Center...
06/06/2026

From early April to late September, the yellow-headed blackbird can be spotted frequently at the Refuge's Visitor Center and out along the Auto Tour Route. With a unique call that sounds as though a door with a rusty hinge is being opened, it is hard to miss these impressive birds.

Yellow-headed blackbirds are known to nest directly in the reeds over the water. They will often choose to nest in the same wetlands as red-winged blackbirds and will steal all of the prime nesting spots due to their dominant nature. However, because these birds choose to nest directly over the water, nestlings do sometimes fall into the water which will lead to the small baby birds having to swim short distances back to the vegetation.

While you are out at the Refuge, see if you can spot these interesting birds and their little ones as nesting season continues!

PHOTO: Yellow-headed Blackbird/Jennifer Wright/USFWS

🕵️‍♀️🌿 Wetland Detectives Summer Camp is coming to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge! 🌿🕵️‍♂️🔍 Day 1: Mammal Tracking – Be...
06/03/2026

🕵️‍♀️🌿 Wetland Detectives Summer Camp is coming to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge! 🌿🕵️‍♂️

🔍 Day 1: Mammal Tracking – Become a wildlife detective as you hunt for tracks, examine mysterious droppings (yes, p**p!), and discover how animals hide in plain sight!
💧 Day 2: Water Wonders – Dive into the world of wetlands! Take water samples, test water quality, and explore the tiny creatures that call the water home—all while unraveling the magic of the water cycle.
🌱 Day 3: Plant Plans! – Every detective needs to understand their environment. Learn how plants work, identify wetland species, and uncover why they're vital to this ecosystem.
🦅 Day 4: Bird Clues – Birds leave behind fascinating clues! From raptors soaring high to songbirds and water birds, we'll investigate their beaks, food, and even their tracks to learn their secrets.
🕵️‍♀️ Day 5: The Final Mystery – With all the clues gathered, it's time for the ultimate challenge. Can you and your team solve the mystery of what's happening to the wetlands?
Get ready for hands-on exploration, exciting discoveries, and a week full of fun, nature, and mystery-solving! Join Wetland Detectives and become the ultimate eco-sleuth! 🔎🌿🐾💦

Space is limited, so be sure to sign up soon using this form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwJWShHgEB8b_x6_77MCcpvtkvThnTpvsKIfutRtFM1cUlaQ/viewform?fbzx=-3086172709491055067

For more information, email [email protected] or call (435) 278-3201

PHOTO: Flyer for Summer Camp/USFWS

June 1 - 8 is National Fishing and Boating Week! 🐟To celebrate this special outdoor recreation week, the Refuge encourag...
05/31/2026

June 1 - 8 is National Fishing and Boating Week! 🐟

To celebrate this special outdoor recreation week, the Refuge encourages you to spend some time outdoors and partake in some fishing and boating activities while recreating responsibly. Here at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, there are several designated fishing areas. Please see the link below for more information:https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025-09/bear-river-migratory-bird-refuge-fishing-brochure-2025.pdf

Happy National Fishing and Boating Week!

PHOTO: 2025 CAS Derby/Mackenzie Foster/USFWS

“What is that black bird with the long beak?” Staff and Volunteers get this question quite often at the Refuge's Visitor...
05/28/2026

“What is that black bird with the long beak?”

Staff and Volunteers get this question quite often at the Refuge's Visitor Center! Meet the White-faced Ibis, one of the wetlands most eye-catching birds.

From a distance they may look plain black, but up close their feathers shimmer with beautiful bronze, green, blue, and purple colors in the sunlight. Their long curved beaks are perfect for probing through shallow water and mud in search of insects and other tasty treats.

During breeding season, adults develop a bright white band around the base of their beak and face — giving them the name “White-faced” Ibis!

Next time you visit the Refuge, keep an eye out for these colorful wetland birds wading through the marshes. You may be surprised by just how beautiful they really are!

PHOTO: White-faced Ibis/Jennifer Wright/USFWS

Happy Memorial Day! Today is a day to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the ...
05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day!

Today is a day to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the country. Their sacrifice helped protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

As you spend time outdoors this weekend, take a moment to reflect, remember, and appreciate those who served.

PHOTO: Freedom 250 Flags & Refuge Staff at Visitor Center/Erik Haberstick/USFWS

🕵️‍♀️🌿 Wetland Detectives Summer Camp is coming to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge! 🌿🕵️‍♂️Calling all young explorers a...
05/24/2026

🕵️‍♀️🌿 Wetland Detectives Summer Camp is coming to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge! 🌿🕵️‍♂️

Calling all young explorers ages 10–14! Join Refuge education from June 22–26 from 10 AM–2 PM for a FREE 5 day camp with hands-on exploration, outdoor adventures, and science activities as campers and staff uncover the secrets of the wetlands together.

Campers will investigate tracks, water, wildlife, and more while learning how wetlands work and why they are so important. On the final day, detectives will put their new skills to the test to solve a big wetland mystery using everything they have learned throughout the week!

Space is limited, so be sure to sign up soon using this form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwJWShHgEB8b_x6_77MCcpvtkvThnTpvsKIfutRtFM1cUlaQ/viewform?fbzx=-3086172709491055067

For more information, email [email protected] or call (435) 278-3201

PHOTO: Flyer for Summer Camp/USFWS

05/23/2026

Update for FISH SPRINGS National Wildlife Refuge:

Until further notice, public bathrooms and drinking water are no longer available due to unforeseen circumstances. Refuge staff are working on addressing this issue and will update as facilities are made available.

If you, or someone you know, was planning to drive out to Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge for the holiday weekend, please pass along the information! Refuge staff appreciate your attention to this matter, and have a safe weekend.

Address

2155 W Forest Street
Brigham City, UT
84302

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+14357235887

Website

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