Cinnamon Teal on the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

Earlier this year, I spent some time photographing cinnamon teal on the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge auto tour route. This 12 mile stretch of gravely road gave me an excellent opportunity to photograph this most striking of waterfowl up close and personal.

The cinnamon teal is a very common duck found on the refuge during spring and summer. The refuge and the marshes in northern Utah reportedly host up 60% of the continental breeding population, leading to a great opportunity for birders and photographers alike to come and view the cinnamon teal in its brightly colored plumage before the effects of the late summer molt take its toll.

You don’t have to look too far to find scenes like this on the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. These teal were comfortable sitting along side the auto tour route road as I spent nearly a half hour photographing them.

The key is to be patient and observant. You just have to drive slow and keep a sharp eye out but it is quite easy during spring to find cinnamon teal sitting just a few short yards away from you vehicle.

If you are planning a trip to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge I would suggest contacting the refuge before your trip. The refuge personnel can give you the most recent bird sightings, the current conditions of the marsh and the condition of the auto tour route road. Visit their website for more information about the refuge and what it has to offer for all of us interested in the splendor of the world of birds.

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