Birds will put on show at Delta Snow Goose fest

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Some wild enthusiasts spend their entire lives for a chance to see one bird. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is offering an opportunity to see as many as 20,000 in one day.

The state wildlife agency is holding its annual Snow Goose Day viewing event during the Delta Snow Goose Festival on Feb. 21 and 22.

Each spring as many as 20,000 snow geese and Ross' geese fly through Utah on their migratory flights north. The waterfowl stop at Gunnison Bend Reservoir for a break, providing excellent viewing opportunities.

The event is free and a fun, family-friendly event.

"We'll provide spotting scopes so you can get a close look at the geese," said Bob Walters, DWR's Watchable Wildlife coordinator. "We'll also be available to answer any questions you have."

The geese are found feeding in fields near the reservoir in the mornings and then lift off en masse, usually between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

The geese typically spend the day on the reservoir and then head back to the fields between 4 and 6 p.m.

State wildlife biologists will be on hand at the festival to help people find the birds if they are on the fields.

People with binoculars or spotting scopes should bring them to the event, but there will be some available for the public to use.

Visit the Delta Snow Goose Festival website at www.deltagoosefestival.com for more information.

brettp@sltrib.com

Twitter: @BrettPrettyman —

See a video of the Delta Snow Goose Festival

http://youtu.be/4q6fy0FkBus