See "flying fish hawks"

DWR hosts annual Osprey Watch

Dutch John — Ospreys — also called "flying fish hawks" — will be on display June 20 near the dam at Flaming Gorge Reservoir.

Ospreys will be the center of attention at this year's Osprey Watch.

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Photo

June 20 is the day the Division of Wildlife Resources will host its annual Osprey Watch. The free wildlife viewing event will be held on the peninsula that's opposite the Flaming Gorge Dam visitor center in northeastern Utah.

"Flaming Gorge hosts one of the largest inland populations of ospreys in North America," says Ron Stewart, regional conservation outreach manager for the DWR.

"Last year, there were 36 active nests on the reservoir itself and another five below the dam," Stewart says. "Several nests are visible in the area near the dam. You can see the nests easily from there."

Stewart will have spotting scopes set up between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Information about ospreys will also be available.

"You're invited to drop by, see one of Utah's most specialized birds and learn more about this highly talented fishing hawk," he says.

To reach the viewing site, turn into the Flaming Gorge Dam parking lot from Highway 191. Park, and then walk to the watching area located on the peninsula opposite the visitor center at the dam.

For more information, call the DWR's Northeastern Region office at (435) 781-9453.