vStrawberry Valley

Wildlife Viewing

Guide

United States Department of Agriculture • Forest Service • Intermountan Region • Uinta National Forest
2

A Guide to Viewing Strawberry’s Wildlife

A visit to Strawberry Valley may turn out to be more than you expected. 

Whether you came to fish, hike, or have a picnic, you can’t miss the 

abundant wildlife that make this valley their home.

Because of Strawberry’s diverse habitats, you will find an equally diverse 

assortment of wildlife. Many species are drawn to Strawberry each 

summer in search of the perfect summer home. Spring marks the arrival 

of dramatic numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds that spend their 

summers on the waters and shoreline of Strawberry Reservoir. Acres of 

open sagebrush uplands provide grazing habitat for big game, as well as 

food and cover for small mammals. Birds of prey leave their nests at the 

forest’s edge to soar across open meadows in search of a meal. Rocky 

outcrops provide hiding places for small mammals and lookouts for 

predators. Strawberry’s wildlife congregates at the river’s edge to drink 

and feed on succulent plants that grow in the riparian corridor.

Each viewing site in the guide highlights different combinations of 

habitats and the wildlife that depend on those habitats for survival. The 

following symbols are used throughout the guide to identify different 

Strawberry Valley habitats at each site.

Reservoir Shoreline

Uplands Forest

Rocky Outcrops Riparian

Using the map at the beginning of the guide, orient yourself to where 

the best viewing sites are found. But remember, you can see wildlife 

everywhere!
3

Viewing Tips

Early morning and late afternoon are typically the best viewing times 

although some wildlife may be seen throughout the day. However, a 

wildlife sighting is not the only way to experience wildlife. A muddy river 

bar can offer an abundance of tracks that tell stories of passers-by. A 

willow stripped of leaves may tell of a moose stopping for a meal. Bark 

chewed from a tree might suggest a resident rabbit or porcupine. Classic 

beaver-chewed stumps may lead you to a beaver pond. Keep your eyes 

open for signs of wildlife and your ears attune to their sounds.

Remember, experiencing wildlife in their natural setting can mean more 

than just a brief sighting. The ultimate wildlife experience is watching 

the animals’ natural behavior, undisturbed by our presence.

Wildlife are very sensitive to crowding. By practicing the following 

viewing tips, you can increase your chances of seeing wildlife without 

interrupting their normal activities.

• View them from a distance with binoculars or a spotting scope.

• Use a telephoto lens for photographs.

• As you travel throughout the valley to different viewing sites, rely on 

your vehicle as a viewing blind.

• If you are on foot, wear natural colors and walk slowly and quietly.

• Crouch behind boulders or vegetation to hide yourself.

• Resist the urge to throw something or whistle to see the animals 

react.

With a little patience, you will be rewarded with some spectacular 

wildlife sightings!
Upper

Strawberry

River

Co-op Creek

Loop

Strawberry

Visitor Center

Clyde Creek

Loop

Strawberry

River

Discovery

Trail Chicken Creek

West Ladders

Strawberry Mud Creek Reservoir

Strawberry

Shoreline Trail

Strawberry

Bay

Haws Point

Indian Creek

Renegade

Point

U.S. 40

0
Soldier

Creek

Soldier Creek

Overlook

Soldier Creek

Dam

Lower Strawberry

River

Aspen

Grove

Moab

Richfield

St. George

Provo

Salt Lake City

Ogden

STRAWBERRY

UTAH

Heber

Guide to

Viewing Sites

Viewing Sites
4 1/4"

F.

R.

6

Upper Strawberry River

This unique site offers a view of three different habitats! You are 

standing in a riparian zone along Strawberry River. The terrain around 

you is all sagebrush uplands. At the hills to the south you can see the 

forest edge.

Elk - Cervus elaphus

Did You Know?

Elk in North America are 

called “wapiti,” a Shawnee 

Indian word meaning “white 

rump.”

Identifying Features:

• A thick, woolly-looking 

“mane” around the neck, 

usually darker in color 

than the rest of their coat, 

differentiates elk from 

other members of the deer 

family.

Watch the forests’ edge to see elk 

emerge from their shady daytime bedding 

area. They graze through the grassy uplands 

to arrive at Strawberry River for a drink and 

graze on tender riparian plants. Look along the 

muddy riverbanks for tracks of the herd. Listen for 

their bugling call during autumn mating season. 4 1/4"

F.

R.
7

Greater Sandhill Crane - Grus canadensis

Did You Know?

Young cranes are called colts.

Identifying Features:

• Cranes stand approximately three 

and one-half feet tall with a sixfoot wingspan.

• They have a red cap on their 

head.

• Cranes fly with their necks 

outstretched, differentiating them 

from great blue herons which retract 

their necks in flight.

Look for cranes along Strawberry River 

standing in shallow water and preening with 

mud that is rich in iron-oxide. This covers 

their natural gray color with a rusty-brown 

camouflage. Search for them building their 

nests in tall, dense riparian vegetation 

where young can easily be hidden from 

danger. Along the water’s edge, notice 

how they use their long bills to capture 

insects or the occasional frog. Because of their height, they are easy 

to spot in the open sagebrush uplands feeding on seeds, roots, lizards 

and small mammals. Listen for their ancient call to locate them flying 

overhead.

Also look for:

Red Fox, Red-tailed, Hawk, Turkey Vulture
8

Strawberry River Discovery Trail

Follow the boardwalk trail at the Visitor Center downstream along 

Strawberry River to view the incredible diversity of wildlife in this 

riparian corridor! Signs along the trail tell about the wildlife that are 

attracted to this habitat. Follow the trail upstream to the fish trap to see 

trout and salmon spawning during spring and fall.

Muskrat - Ondatra zibethicus

Did You Know?

Like a boat rudder, muskrats use 

their long tail to help guide 

their swimming.

Identifying Features:

• Muskrats are 10 to 14 

inches in length with a 

long, narrow, hairless 

tail.

• They are always found 

in or near water.

Watch the edge of the stream to 

see a muskrat emerge from the underwater 

entrance of its den, burrowed deep in the 

mud of an overhanging bank. This is where 

muskrats will raise their young, well hidden 

from predators. Look deep into the water to 

see muskrats gathering plants, fish, and crayfish 

to stockpile in the den for the coming winter. 

Muskrat tracks may be found along the edge of the river; look for the 

drag mark of their trail between the tiny footprints.
9

Cliff Swallow - Hirundo pyrrhonota

Did You Know?

Cliff swallows nest in huge colonies that may include over 1,000 pairs of 

birds.

Identifying Features:

• Cliff swallows have a squarish tail, a buff 

colored rump, and a dark chestnut colored 

throat.

A flurry of activity around the road bridge 

makes it easy to locate the swallows. You 

can see their colony of gourd-shaped 

nests built on the flat, vertical surfaces 

of the bridge. Watch the shallow 

eddies near shore to see them 

dipping out mud to build their 

mud-packed nests. Look for 

them skimming the smooth 

surface of the stream for a drink 

of fresh water. Notice their 

erratic flight patterns just above 

the river as they catch insects in 

mid-flight.

Also look for:

Belted Kingfisher, Snowy Egret
3 1/4"

F.

R.

10

Clyde Creek Loop

This 11-mile scenic drive on a gravel road begins in sagebrush uplands 

and passes through conifer and aspen forests, offering opportunities to 

view many forest residents. The route also follows Clyde Creek and Mud 

Creek which are popular with beaver and other riparian inhabitants.

Mule Deer - Odocoileus 

hemionus

Did You Know?

At birth, fawns are spotted 

and have almost no scent, 

making it difficult for 

predators to find them.

Identifying Features:

• The “mule-like” ears 

of these deer are about 

two-thirds the size of their 

head.

• Mule deer have a white 

chin, throat, and rump.

• Deer are about three feet tall 

at the shoulder, significantly 

smaller than elk or moose.

Look for mule deer in open meadows at dawn 

and dusk when they venture from the forest cover 

to feed on succulent grasses and shrubs. Logged 

areas along Clyde Creek road have created meadow 

habitat where mule deer can often be found. Don’t 

be surprised to see them crossing the road as they 

approach the stream for a cool drink.

3 1/4"

F.

R.
5 1/4"

F.

R.

11

Beaver - Castor canadensis

Did You Know?

The beaver is actually a 

waterproof rodent with 

transparent membranes over 

the eyes and watertight vents 

over the ears and nostrils 

that can be closed when 

underwater.

Identifying Features:

• Beaver are fairly large, chunky 

animals, weighing up to 60 pounds.

• They have furless, scaly, paddle-shaped 

tails.

Where aspen forests approach the stream, 

look for evidence of beaver that have created 

their own habitat. Aspen cuttings and 

stumps, chewed to a pointed end, may be a first clue. Look for dams 

of stacked sticks and mud across the stream. This creates a deep pond 

where beaver can hide underwater from predators or feed on aquatic 

vegetation. A cone-shaped lodge in the pond suggests a resident family 

of beaver. You may see them swimming at the surface with a mouthful 

of vegetation before they dive to the underwater entrance of their home. 

Inside the lodge, above the waterline, they are storing a cache of food for 

the long winter ahead.

Also look for:

Porcupine, Striped Skunk, Northern Flicker

5 1/4"

F.

R.
12

Strawberry Shoreline Trail

This two-mile trail from Mud Creek Day Use Area to Strawberry Bay 

Campground follows a sage-covered knoll along the reservoir shoreline. 

Countless species of waterfowl can be seen in the shallow bays and open 

waters of the reservoir. Residents of the uplands may be spotted on the 

knoll.

Northern Harrier - Circus cyaneus

Did You Know?

This bird was formerly known as the Marsh 

Hawk because of its affinity for marshy 

areas.

Identifying Features:

• The male harrier is grayish-blue on the 

back and mostly white underneath, with 

black wing tips.

• The female is brown above and a whitish 

color underneath.

• Both male and female have a white band 

on the rump.

Look for northern harriers flying close to the 

ground, with wings upraised at the tips, in 

search of a meal. They can usually be seen 

flying low over the sagebrush hunting for 

mice and other small mammals, or over marshlands in search of frogs, 

reptiles, and fish. Since harriers are ground-nesters, you may see them 

perched on the ground or low objects such as tree stumps and fence 

posts.
2"

R. F.

13

Badger - Taxidea taxus

Did You Know?

The badger is a premier digger, reputed to be able to outdig two people 

with shovels and can dig 

itself completely out of 

sight in a very short 

time.

Identifying 

Features:

• Badgers 

have a 

stocky, 

flattened 

appearance.

• White stripes and 

cheek “badges” decorate 

the badger’s face, with one strip 

continuing down the spine.

Look for large excavated holes in soft soil where badgers have burrowed 

a den. But keep your distance, since badgers are considered very 

ferocious, and their nest may only be five feet from the surface. Using 

their short, powerful front legs and long claws, badgers can be seen 

digging out small rodents, earthworms, snails, or bee larvae for a meal.

Watch for signs of other wildlife where badgers have abandoned their 

dens. Burrowing owls, foxes, coyotes and skunks may make their home 

in an empty badger den.

2"

R. F.
14

Shoreline Trail (continued)

Cinnamon Teal - Anas cyanoptera

Did You Know?

When danger threatens, cinnamon teal hens will divert attention from 

their young by faking an injury.

Identifying Features:

• Males are cinnamon colored on the head, neck, and underside and 

have red-orange eyes.

• The bill on the cinnamon teal is 

long and spatulate.

Look for cinnamon teals in 

shallow bays, “tipping 

up” to feed on bottom 

vegetation and 

crustaceans. Watch the 

muddy banks of the 

reservoir to see them 

probing the mud for 

insects. Scan the grassy 

shores to spot them 

“grazing” on sedges, 

grasses, and rushes. Catch a glimpse of the hen building her nest where 

she conceals it in tall, dense grasses.

Also look for:

Common Loon, Redhead, Green-winged Teal
1 1/8"

F. R.

15

Indian Creek

Indian Creek, at the heart of this riparian area, provides some of the best 

spawning habitat for Strawberry Reservoir fish. Because of its small 

size and clarity, it is an excellent area to view fish during their upstream 

spawning runs. Look for the Bear Lake cutthroat trout in the stream 

during late spring and Kokanee salmon in the fall. Follow the path to the 

sign overlooking the stream to learn more about these fish.

Uinta Ground squirrel - Spermophilus armatus

Did You Know?

Locally this squirrel is 

known as a “pot-gut.”

Identifying Features:

• These squirrels are 8 

to 9 inches long with a 

three-inch tail.

• Their coloring is 

brown on the back 

and buffy white 

underneath.

Listen for their high-pitched chirp. 

Look for groupings of many small 

burrows, a sure indication of a colony of ground squirrels. Watch quietly 

to see them emerge from their dens to feed on surrounding vegetation. 

Because they are an important prey for many birds and mammals, the 

first hint of danger will send them quickly scurrying back to the safety of 

their dens.

Also look for:

Western Meadowlark, Least Chipmunk

1 1/8"

F. R.
16

Chicken Creek West

The wildlife diversity of Strawberry Valley is due in part to the large 

17,000-acre reservoir that attracts numerous waterfowl and shorebirds 

during migration and breeding seasons.

Eared Grebe - Podiceps nigricollis

Did You Know?

The eared grebe makes a nest like 

most birds, but their nest is a little 

different – if floats!

Identifying Features:

• A shorter neck and bill 

differentiate the eared 

grebe from other grebes 

found at Strawberry.

• During breeding 

season, this grebe 

displays golden, fanlike “ear” feathers 

behind the eyes.

Look for colonies of 

floating nests, built of 

marsh vegetation, in 

shallow bays close to 

the shoreline. Watch for 

grebes diving for aquatic 

insects, amphibians, and 

fish to suddenly reappear on the surface, seemingly out of nowhere. Scan 

the reservoir for white rumps when they “tip up” to dabble on insects 

below the surface.
17

Northern Pintail - Anas acuta

Did You Know?

Pintails are the first ducks to migrate north in the spring. They arrive in 

Strawberry as early as March and concentrate where ice has started to 

give way to open water.

Identifying Features:

• On males, black central tail 

feathers extend far beyond the 

rest of the tail.

• Both males and females 

have a long neck 

compared to other 

ducks.

Northern pintails 

can be found on the 

reservoir’s shallow 

bays or on dry land 

near shore. You can 

see them feeding in 

shallow wetlands 

on grass seeds, 

worms, insects, and 

crustaceans. The female may be seen tending her nest in a hollow on 

dry ground, partially concealed by grasses and shrubs. Be careful not to 

crowd her, as she may abandon the nest. Look for males resting on the 

muddy banks of the reservoir. Watch for them flying overhead on their 

way to and from nearby ponds.

Also look for:

Western Grebe, Mallard, American Widgeon, Killdeer
18

Co-op Creek Loop

This 13-mile scenic drive begins in sagebrush uplands, and climbs high 

into conifer and aspen forests, offering spectacular views of Strawberry 

Reservoir. Wildlife is abundant in this area, so travel slowly and keep 

a watchful eye. This route is closed during elk calving season, but each 

year reopens June 30. High clearance vehicles are recommended on 

Chicken Creek road.

Swainson’s Hawk - Buteo swainsoni

Did You Know?

Swainson’s hawks nest in tall trees as high as 

100 feet above ground.

Identifying Features:

• A dark bib and long, narrow, 

pointed wings distinguish the 

Swainson’s from other hawks.

Watch for these hawks 

soaring high over sagebrush 

meadows, with uptilted 

wings in a teetering flight. 

Notice them perched low on 

fence posts or stones before 

they “pounce” on a meal of 

insects or small mammals. 

They may also hunt from the 

banks of Co-op or Chicken 

Creek for fish and frogs. Look 

high in tall, isolated trees for 

their stick nests, where they 

return year after year to rebuild. If you can locate an abandoned magpie 

nest, you may see a Swainson’s hawk settling in.
6 1/2"

19

Moose - Alces alces

Did You Know?

Although moose 

appear awkward, 

they can run over 30 

miles per hour and 

swim as fast as two 

people can paddle a 

canoe.

Identifying Features:

• The largest 

member of the deer 

family, moose stand over seven feet tall.

• Moose are darker brown than elk or deer.

• Males have palmate antlers.

• Look for the furry “bell” that hangs from their 

throat.

Moose may be seen among willows or small aspens, 

stripping leaves from branches, a staple during summer 

months. Look for ponds where moose can be found, 

often with their head underwater, feeding on bottom 

vegetation, their main summer diet. Among the aspens, 

notice marks of large incisor teeth on trees where 

moose have been gnawing the bark during winter. In early fall, moose 

may be spotted rubbing their antlers on aspen saplings, trying to shed 

the summer’s velvet. Remember to keep a safe distance while viewing 

moose; they can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Also look for:

Downy Woodpecker, American Kestrel, Mountain Bluebird 6 1/2"
20

The Ladders

A tunnel bringing water from Currant Creek Reservoir empties into 

Strawberry Reservoir at the Ladders. The continuous flow of water at 

the Ladders and nearby Trout Creek makes this shoreline area popular 

with waterfowl and shorebirds.

White-faced Ibis - Plegadis chihi

Did You Know?

Strawberry’s abundant crayfish are a 

favorite food of the white-faced ibis.

Identifying Features:

• Ibis are a medium-sized 

wading bird with a 

long down-curving 

bill.

• Although they usually 

look dark at a distance, 

they are primarily a 

deep purplish-chestnut 

color.

• During breeding, ibis have a 

red bill, red eyes, red legs, and 

a red face with a white border 

around the eyes and under the 

chin.

Look for ibis in marshy areas near the 

shoreline using their long bills to probe for 

insects, worms, crayfish, frogs, and fish. Colonies of nests may be sighted 

in tall aquatic vegetation or low shrubs near the water. Sometimes ibis 

may even be found nesting in colonies of great blue herons.
21

Great Blue Heron - Ardea herodias

Did You Know?

Great blue herons have been known to 

live up to 23 years of age, one of the 

oldest recorded ages of any bird.

Identifying Features:

• Great blue herons are nearly 

four feet tall and gray-blue in 

color.

• Herons have a long, yellow bill 

and a black streak along the 

leading edge of their neck.

• In flight, the heron’s long neck 

is retracted in an “S” shape.

Herons can be seen wading in the 

shallow waters of Trout Creek or the 

reservoir margins. Notice them standing 

motionless, waiting for their prey to 

approach. They suddenly strike deep into 

the water to bring out a fish or crayfish in 

their long bill. You may also see them nab frogs and insects along the 

muddy banks of the reservoir. Look for them stalking small mammals in 

open sagebrush meadows. Watch overhead to see their massive six-foot 

wingspan in flight. In areas of tall deciduous trees, look for their colonies 

of stick platform nests.

Also look for:

Canada Goose, Lesser Yellowlegs, White Pelican, Spotted Sandpiper
2" 2 1/8"

F. R.

22

Lower Strawberry River

The landscape of Strawberry River canyon, below Soldier Creek Dam is 

unique from any other viewing site in the valley. The steep canyon walls 

and rocky outcrops form habitat that attracts wildlife rarely found in 

other parts of Strawberry Valley.

Yellow-bellied Marmot - Marmota flaviventris

Did You Know?

Marmots hibernate for 

nearly eight months 

of the year, beginning 

as early as September 

and not emerging until 

April.

Identifying Features:

• Marmots are mediumsized, stocky rodents.

• A yellow belly, white patch 

between the eyes, and buffy 

patches on each side of the neck 

distinguish the yellow-bellied from other marmots.

Look among the rocks to see marmots playing or sunning themselves on 

a warm afternoon. Watch them feeding on grasses that have sprouted 

up between boulders. A single marmot may be seen perched on a large 

boulder as a lookout. Listen for a series of high-pitched chirps that 

warns the others of potential danger. When danger is present, they 

scurry to the safety of their dens protected underneath the rocks.

2" 2 1/8"

F. R.
3" 3"

F. R.

23

Mountain Lion (Cougar) - Felis concolor

Did You Know?

Mountain lions are loners and stay primarily in their own range.

Identifying Features:

• The mountain lion is the largest species of wild cats, weighing up to 

200 pounds!

• Mountain lions have 

a long tail, opposed to 

the bobbed tails of lynx 

and bobcats.

Look for tracks of the elusive 

mountain lion. Because it is 

nocturnal and secretive, this 

cat is seldom seen. Tracks 

of wild cats rarely show 

claw marks because claws 

are usually retracted. Cat tracks appear round, 

or wider than that are long. Tracks may be seen 

emerging from the cougar’s day-time den, concealed 

in the thick forest. Notice tracks leading to the river where the 

cougar may have quenched its thirst. Look for a pattern of cougar tracks 

combined with those of deer, rabbits, or grouse that tell a story of the 

large carnivore stalking its prey.

Remember that mountain lions are dangerous. If you do see a mountain 

lion, view it from the safety of your vehicle. If a lion does approach you, 

slowly back away. Never run, make direct eye contact or turn your back.

Also look for:

Osprey, Black Bear, Clark’s Nutcracker

3" 3"

F. R.
Please send any comments and suggestions about

the guide or viewing sites to:

Heber Ranger District

P.O. Box 190

Heber, Utah 84032

Attention: Information/Education

Or visit us at one of our offices:

Heber Ranger District

2460 South Highway 40

Heber, Utah

or

Strawberry Visitor Center

Strawberry Valley

Written and Prepared by Julie Jensen

with assistance from Jill Evans

Illustrations by Rachel David

Map graphic by Steve Gale

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