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THE GREAT OUTDOORS — If you've always wanted to see bald eagles in the wild, the Division of Wildlife Resources is providing viewing opportunities at five events throughout the state on Feb. 13.
Considered by many to be one of the most majestic birds, bald eagles were aptly named the United States' national bird in 1782, shortly after the country was founded, according to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Since then, people have associated the bird with feelings of patriotism and freedom.
The Division of Wildlife Resources established "Bald Eagle Day" as a way to give people an opportunity to see and learn more about the majestic birds.
"I started Bald Eagle Day because I wanted to make people aware of the wildlife around them," DWR watchable wildlife coordinator Bob Walters said. "I wanted to whet their appetite to see more."
Bald Eagle Day has become Utah's most well-attended and one of its most enjoyed wildlife-viewing events, according to DWR. Participants should dress in warm clothes and bring waterproof boots, as well as binoculars and a camera.
Here are where the five events will take place on Saturday, Feb. 13:
Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area (Compton's Knoll)
Location: 10 miles northwest of Corinne
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Directions: Take Exit 365 off of I-15 and travel west on state Route 83 through Corinne. Stay on state Route 83 until you get to 6800 West (Iowa String). Travel north to 6800 North and then travel west on 6800 North until you reach the Salt Creek WMA/Compton's Knoll Watchable Wildlife site.
Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area
Location: 1325 W. Glovers Lane (925 South), Farmington
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Directions: If you're traveling from Salt Lake City and other areas south of Farmington, travel north on I-15 to Exit 322. (The exit is just after you pass under the Glovers Lane overpass.) Where the ramp forks, stay right. Just off the exit ramp, turn right onto the frontage road and continue south to the stop sign. Turn right onto Glovers Lane and follow it west to the waterfowl management area.
Fountain Green State Fish Hatchery
Location: East of Nephi
Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Directions: If you're coming from north of Nephi, you can reach the hatchery by taking I-15 and exiting the freeway at the second Nephi exit (Exit 225). After exiting the freeway, turn east on state Route 132 and travel about 10 miles. About 1 mile before the city of Fountain Green, a Bald Eagle Day sign will point you to an access road that leads to the hatchery.
Free tours of the hatchery will also be offered during the event.
Split Mountain/Green River
Location: North of Jensen and below the Dinosaur Quarry in Dinosaur National Monument
Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Directions: To reach the site, drive north from U.S. Highway 40 in Jensen to the Dinosaur Quarry on state Route 149.
Rush Lake Ranch
Location: Located on the Minersville Highway (SR-130) about 12 miles north of Cedar City.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.