Article contributed by Keith Evans, Ph. D., retired ornithologist and co-author of Utah’s Featured Birds and Viewing Sites: A Conservation Platform for IBAs and BHCAs (Keith Evans and Wayne Martinson, 2008. Sun Litho, Salt Lake City, UT. 364 pp.). I arrived at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge on a brisk spring morning. We old-timers fondly remember the vintage “cuckoo clocks,” but modern clocks will sound off on the hour with many other noises—trains, dogs, cows, and yes, birds. As I listen to the sounds of spring on the marsh, I long to buy a “spring marsh" clock. I close my eyes and begin to relax as I hear Mallards, Canada Geese, Tundra Swans, American Avocets, California Gulls, Marsh Wrens, Song Sparrows, Red-winged Blackbirds, Yellow-headed Blackbirds and more. It’s tempting to get lost in the moment; however, my mind wanders to the value of these protected refuge marshes and the substantial contribution they make to the Bear River Bay Important Bird Area...