6/12/2023 0 Comments Marva bird bell vernal utah![]() ![]() As I stood on the river’s edge, I listened to the calls and songs of different birds. The landscape where the desert meets the water is stunning. I pulled into the small parking area at a boat ramp. Looking up at Leota Bluff’s ridgeline, I saw some animals moving. Once back on the main road, I was intrigued with the plethora of fall colors along the river, which was a stark contrast to the painted desert landscape on the other side. I wasn’t even out of my car for two minutes before some geese flew across the meadow. Instead of turning right to start the auto tour, I continued straight and saw a sign for a wildlife viewing site. I was going to do the 12-mile drive, but the Sheppard Bottom Tour Route was closed because of road construction. I got treated to an array of fall colors along the river on my visit. If you want to see desert wildflowers, visit in May and June. It takes you up Leota Bluff where you get a spectacular view of the Green River bottom and much of the Uinta basin. The 12-mile self-guided auto tour travels through the wetland and riparian areas along the Green River. Things you can do at Ouray National Wildlife Refuge include driving the auto tour route, fishing and hiking. Four fish species have also been found in the refuge including Colorado pikeminnow, humpback chub, bonytail and razorback sucker. Eight federally listed threaten and endangered bird species have been spotted in the refuge including whooping crane, peregrine falcon, osprey and bald eagle. ![]() The desert grasslands are home to pronghorns, deer, coyotes, prairie dogs, jackrabbits, western meadowlarks and reptiles. You might see an owl or porcupine in the cottonwood and willow trees. The marshes and wetlands provide migrating and breeding habitat for ducks, geese, cranes, herons, and hawks. The river provides a lush forest habitat for breeding songbirds and raptors along with mule deer, beavers and other mammals. It meanders for 12 miles through the 12,138 acre-refuge. ![]() The Green River is a life-sustaining river in the arid area. With less than 8 inches of rainfall a year, northeast Utah’s desert landscape is a tough place for wildlife. The diversity in habitats from desert to riverbed provides a haven for a wide variety of species. It provides nesting, resting and feeding habitat for migrating birds. Ouray National Wildlife Refuge was established by the U.S. I saw the sign and decided to make a quick stop. I was on my way to Fantasy Canyon, which is about 40 miles south of Vernal, Utah, on a recent road trip back to Denver. I stumbled upon Ouray National Wildlife Refuge by accident. ![]()
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