Join The Fun At Delta’s Annual Snow Goose Festival This Weekend

One of my favorite wildlife viewing events is happening this weekend. If you have never been to the Snow Goose Festival in Delta, I believe it is an experience you should have. The festival draws birdwatchers, photographers, families and nature lovers from across the region each February to witness one of the most striking bird migrations in the state. Held in and around Delta and Gunnison Bend Reservoir in Millard County, the festival celebrates the passage of thousands of snow geese and other migratory waterfowl as they travel northward along the Pacific Flyway toward their Arctic nesting grounds.

Delta’s location on the snow geese’s flight path makes it a prime observation point. Each year in mid-February, large flocks begin arriving from the Imperial Valley of California, often numbering up to around 20,000 geese at a time, filling the skies and surrounding fields with dramatic scenes of honking and wingbeats.

The geese feed in agricultural fields early in the day before typically taking flight mid-morning to roost on the reservoir, offering spectacular viewing opportunities for festival attendees. Biologists from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources are on hand during the free snow goose viewing events to provide birding tips and help visitors locate the birds as they move throughout the day.

City Of Delta Has Activities For All

In addition to wildlife viewing, the Snow Goose Festival features a range of community activities that make the weekend appealing to all ages. Traditional festival highlights can include a 5K/10K Wild Goose Chase run, a Mother Goose Craft Fair, a Quilt Show, concession stands, children’s games, crafts and wildlife workshops, as well as opportunities to learn more about migratory birds and their habitats. The event is hosted by the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce, with supplemental activities and wildlife interpretation provided in partnership with wildlife agencies.

Read More: How You Can Volunteer To Help Utah Wildlife

Late February, when the migration peaks and weather conditions make for ideal birdwatching. Attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars or spotting scopes to enhance their experience and are reminded to respect private property and stay off restricted lands while enjoying the amazing natural spectacle. And this year, be sure to bring warm clothing as temperature are expected to be on the cool side.

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It took a few years of convincing from a friend of mine to finally make the trip for the Snow Goose Festival, but once I went, I found it to be one of the most engaging activities you can have with wildlife.