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Delta Snow Goose Festival brings blizzards of migrating birds

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Posted at 12:15 PM, Feb 26, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-27 21:25:24-05

DELTA, Utah — Utah is no stranger to winter blizzards, but this time of year also brings "bird blizzards" of snow geese that turn the sky white as they migrate across the state.

To commemorate this spectacle, Delta's Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual Snow Goose Festival February 26-27 at the Gunnison Bend Reservoir, which includes viewing events from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR).

Up to 20,000 geese make their way through the reservoir this time of year. Most are snow geese, which are completely white except for black tips on their wings. DWR biologists will be on site to answer questions and direct viewers where to find them, as the geese move from the reservoir to nearby fields for feeding.

WATCH: Uniquely Utah: Delta’s Snow Goose Festival

"It's an exciting time to be there," says DWR regional outreach manager Phil Tuttle. "All those thousands of geese in flight make for incredible photos. Watching and hearing the geese take off can take your breath away."

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Snow geese gathering outside of Delta, Utah.

Tuttle provides the following tips and reminders:

  • Bring binoculars or a spotting scope to view the geese. Getting too close to the birds could scare them away.
  • Please respect private property.
  • Pull completely off the road to view the geese.
  • Be prepared for cold, wet weather by dressing in layers.

Click here to learn more about the festival.

Social distancing requirements will be in place for all those who attend the festival.