As part of the Flags Across America initiative for America’s 250th anniversary, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is sharing stories from the places where our commemorative flags have traveled. From historic hatcheries to vibrant refuges, each stop celebrates conservation as an enduring American value. Join us as we highlight the lands, waters, and wildlife that connect our nation’s past, present, and future.
Just like you would expect from its name, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge provides critical resting and feeding habitat for millions of birds migrating through Utah annually. Some birds stay to breed, nest, and raise their young across the refuge wetlands.
At the Flags Across America event in early April, the flags were in the presence of plenty of birds, some in their bright and colorful breeding plumage.
About 500 people also welcomed the flags that April day, honoring the country’s 250th. They turned out to celebrate the Wild Wonders of the Bear River, their community, and what is very much their national wildlife refuge.
In the 1920s, the loss of marshes and huge bird die-offs from avian botulism drove local individuals and organizations to urge Congress to protect the Bear River Delta in northern Utah. In 1928, Congress acted by establishing the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.
“At Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, people gather like the birds themselves—drawn by beauty, history, and the promise of sanctuary,” says Carl Millegan, project leader of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Complex. “Here, the land connects us, restores us, and reminds us how deeply we belong to this place.”
Every day brings an opportunity to see something new and wonderful at Bear River. Even in the winter months, when overall bird numbers drop, you might see a bald eagle or other raptor hunting for prey. And during spring, summer, and fall, you can see some truly amazing sights.
For instance, June offers the best chance to see pairs of western grebes running across the water, “rushing” as part of their ritual courtship dance.
Because of sights like grebes, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is a haven for bird watchers and for anyone who loves nature. There is just so much to do.
One of the favorite features of the refuge is the auto tour, a 12-mile drive through the refuge that allows visitors to spy on wildlife from the comfort of their cars. The flag celebration marked the opening of a temporary auto tour route that both gives visitors access to areas of the refuge not normally open to the public and allows repairs and improvements to the permanent route using funding provided by the Great American Outdoors Act Great American Outdoors Act
This landmark conservation law, enacted in 2020, authorizes the use of up to $1.9 billion a year in energy development revenues for five years for needed maintenance to facilities and infrastructure in our wildlife refuges, national parks, forests, recreation areas and American Indian schools.
Learn more about Great American Outdoors Act .
The temporary route, open till mid-September 2026, provides opportunities to catch glimpses of many nesting bird species such as the American avocet and other migratory shorebirds.
Sixty miles north of downtown Salt Lake City, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge offers some of the best waterfowl hunting in the West. Some areas of the refuge are also open for pheasant hunting.
Fishing, hiking, and biking are just a few other things to do. For more information, visit the website to find all the activities at Bear River or stop by the visitor center.
Another fulfilling way to engage at the refuge, or any public land: Volunteer.
Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature, share your love of the outdoors, or help your community, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge will
welcome you and provide you many opportunities. It will quickly become your national wildlife refuge, too.
Next up, we follow the flags Makah National Fish Hatchery on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, which partners with the Makah Tribe to raise salmon and steelhead. Stay tuned for the next chapter on this historic tour!
