Birders flock to Utah's Bear River refuge

• Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Center — just under an hour north of SLC — is one of the best spots to see them.

Zoom in: On the 12-mile auto tour, I spotted American avocet, white-faced ibis, Western grebes, Wilson's philanthrope and several glorious American white pelicans.

• I also saw a ruby-crowned kinglet and sharp skinned hawk near the visitors center.

State of play: No need to exit your vehicle, and you won't want to. The bugs are relentless and will swarm you instantly.

• I learned the hard way.

Pro tip: Bring binoculars. Some of the birds are quite small and almost always at a significant distance.

• The loop drive takes about 2-3 hours, depending on how long you like to gander.

If you go: 2155 W Forest St., Brigham City

• The government shutdown means the visitor center is currently closed, but the auto tour and walking trails are open from sunrise to sunset.