Snow Goose Festival

The Snow Goose Festival in Delta, Utah, is an annual celebration of the migration of thousands of Lesser Snow Geese as they travel from California to their Arctic nesting grounds.

Key Event Details

  • Primary Location: Most viewing occurs at the Gunnison Bend Reservoir, specifically around the Sherwood Shores area.
  • Best Viewing Times:
    • Early Morning: Geese feed in the surrounding fields.
    • 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Thousands of geese typically take flight from the fields back to the reservoir.
    • 12:00 PM (Noon): The geese are almost always on the water, making this the peak viewing time.
    • 4:30 PM: Geese typically depart from the water to return to the fields. 

Activities & Attractions

The festival is organized by the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). 

  • Wildlife Viewing: DWR biologists are available on-site with spotting scopes to help visitors locate and identify birds.
  • Wild Goose Chase: A 5K/10K run typically held on Saturday morning.
  • Mother Goose Craft Fair: Featuring local vendors, food trucks, and raffles at the RJ Law Building or local schools.
  • Quilt Show: A display of handmade quilts and quilting classes.
  • Family Fun: Activities often include a Saturday movie matinee at T&T Twin Theaters, photo contests, and coloring contests for kids. 

Visitor Tips

  • Dress Warmly: February in Delta can be very cold and wet; layering is recommended.
  • Stay in Your Car: Geese are easily spooked; you can often get closer and see more by viewing from your vehicle in the fields.
  • Bring Optics: While DWR provides some equipment, bringing your own binoculars or spotting scopes is highly recommended.
  • Respect Property: Visitors are reminded to stay on main roads and designated public areas to avoid trespassing on private land.

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