Schedule & Field Trips

Registration opens in March 2023

Online registration will be the only method of purchasing tickets.

Familiarize yourself with the Great Salt Lake Bird Festival by checking out our 2022 schedule below! 2023 field trip details will be announced in February 2023.

*Ticket sales are limited for each field trip and may sell out quickly. Ticket prices listed below do not include service fees and sales tax. 2023 field trip schedule is subject to change at any time.

PDF Downloadable 2022 Festival Program

GSLBF Program 2022

New this year, each field trip will have an "Activity Level" noted. Use this guide to help you better select field trips based on your desired activity level.

Accessible: Entire trip is fully accessible for festival-goers in wheelchairs or with limited mobility
Easy: 0.5 mile or less walking on flat or paved surfaces
Moderate: up to 2 miles walking with less than 250 feet elevation change on well-maintained trails or surfaces
Active: 2-3 miles walking or hiking with 250-500 feet of elevation gain on trails OR involving cycling or kayaking

As you prepare for your 2023 Great Salt Lake Bird Festival field trips, remember to bring these items and anything else you may need to make your experience more enjoyable. If a field trip requires specific items that are not a part of this list, they will be noted in the field trip descriptions below.

Field trip ticket
Water
Snacks
Sunscreen and bug repellent
Sunglasses and/or hat

Binoculars and any other birding gear you prefer
Camera or any other photography equipment
Comfortable clothing and footwear that is appropriate for the level of activity and weather
Flashlight or headlamp if birding during the evening

Click on days below for pricing:

THURSDAY, MAY 12th

Field Trip: Jordanelle Wetlands and Heber Fields

Time: 7:00 am - 12:00 pm

Transportation: Self-Drive

Cost: $25

Guide(s): Teri Pope, TBA

Description: The wetland and riparian areas below Jordanelle Dam offer excellent birding in these foothills to the Uinta Mountains. This area is an Audubon Important Bird Area (IBA). Possible species include: American Dipper, Osprey, Black-headed Grosbeak, Warbling Vireo, Common Yellowthroat and Bullock’s Oriole. We will also look for returning Bobolinks.

Meeting Location: I-80 and I-215, Salt Lake City

Activity Level: Moderate

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders, Families with Children

Target Species: Raptors, Flycatchers, Vireos, Swallows, or Shrikes, Songbirds

Spots: 15

Field Trip: Inland Sea Shorebird Reserve and Gillmor Sanctuary

Time: 7:00 am - 1:00 pm

Transportation: Bus/Minibus

Cost: $50

Guide(s): Ann Neville, Ella Sorensen

Description: Experience Rio Tinto Kennecott’s Inland Sea Shorebird Reserve and Gillmor Sanctuary that is not open to the general public. Visit over 8,000 acres of private land managed just for shorebirds on the edge of Great Salt Lake. Shallow ponds or playas invite avocets, black-necked stilts, willets, migrating ‘peeps’ and one of the few places to consistently see snowy plovers. Prairie type sparrows, larks, pipits, shrike, hawks and falcons are possible. Access to some areas may be limited with wet weather. This trip includes light walking with probable muddy conditions. It is recommended to bring an extra spotting scope if possible.

Meeting Location: Eccles Wildlife Education Center

Activity Level: Easy

Good For: Intermediate Birders

Target Species: Waterfowl, Shorebirds, Wading Birds

Spots: 20

Field Trip: Photography at Farmington Bay

Time: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Transportation: Self-Drive

Cost: $25

Guide(s): Tom Mathewson

Description: This is a guided self-drive tour of specific spots at Farmington Bay, with an emphasis on serious bird photography. We’ll have hands-on sessions at each stop for photographing birds with a tripod as well as hand-held shooting and shooting from a car. We will cover equipment tips, camera settings and shooting techniques for getting the best pictures possible in nearly any conditions.

Bring your camera, lens, tripod etc., and don’t forget water, sunscreen, bug repellant, and a hat.

Meeting Location: Farmington Bay

Activity Level: Accessible

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders

Target Species: Waterfowl, Shorebirds, Wading Birds, Raptors, Flycatchers, Vireos, Swallows, or Shrikes, Songbirds

Spots: 20

Field Trip: Sage-Steppe Birding at Promontory Point

Time: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Transportation: Van

Cost: $55

Guide(s): Adam Brewerton

Description: This trip will have stops from the wetlands and riparian areas from the Bear River Bay and travel through the uplands as we focus on the sagebrush and upland communities of the Promontory Peninsula. We will see birds associated with each habitat as we move from the lower wetlands at the edge of the lake up to the slopes and ridges of the mountains. Highlights are seeing the different communities for different habitats, and typically find grassland, upland, and sagebrush associated birds, like Long-Billed Curlews and Sage Thrashers. We will also have a chance at many of northern Utah's raptors. We will also be near some non-bird points of interest like Golden Spike National Historic Park, where the transcontinental railroad was finished.

Meeting Location: Eccles Wildlife Education Center

Activity Level: Moderate

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders, Families with Children

Target Species: Long-billed Curlew, Short-eared Owl, Grasshopper Sparrow, Sage Thrasher, Sagebrush Sparrow, and Brewer's Sparrow

Spots: 12

Field Trip: Birding Rockport by Canoe/Kayak

Time: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Transportation: Self-Drive

Cost: $40

Guide(s): Kathy Donnell, Vivian Schneggenburger

Description: Rockport Reservoir’s nearby springs host many ducks, grebes, herons, and raptors (including nesting Osprey) with the smaller birds occupying the adjacent trees and shrubs. You will have a grand birding experience at the reservoir using canoes and kayaks, which will be included in this trip. Participants will be required to row. Kayaking can be difficult if there is wind and waves. Please arrive by 7:45am for instructions. Allow for travel time. Weather permitting.

*Ticket includes park entry and canoe or kayak. Bring water, insect repellant, lunch, sunscreen, life jacket if you have one, binoculars, field guides, and a camera.

Meeting Location: Rockport State Park

Meet at Rockport State Park at 9040 N. Hwy 302, Peoa, UT 84061. Take I-80 east to Wanship exit #155. Turn right and take Highway 32 to mile marker 24 (approx. 4 miles). Turn left into the state park. Follow that road 3 miles to the main marina. (435-336-2241).

Activity Level: Active

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders

Target Species: Waterfowl, Shorebirds, Wading Birds, Raptors, Woodpeckers, Flycatchers, Vireos, Swallows, or Shrikes, Corvids, Songbirds

Spots: 12

Field Trip: Raptor Road Trip

Time: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Transportation: Minibus

Cost: $85

Guide(s): Don Paul, Randy Chatelain

Description: Spend a day exploring the ecology of some of Utah’s most charismatic birds. We will explore Morgan, Summit, and Rich County landscapes. The Golden Eagle, Red-tailed, Swainson’s and Ferruginous hawks, Prairie and Peregrine falcons will be our primary focus. We will be watchful for the Great Horned Owl, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, American Kestrel, Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned hawks and Northern Harrier (with some special surprises too). Don and Randy will help with identification of these magnificent birds of prey, as well as describing the various color morphs we encounter. The guides will explain and help identify nesting strategies and behavior, as well as predator/prey relationships as we observe them in the field. Bring water and food for the day.

Meeting Location: Eccles Wildlife Education Center

Activity Level: Easy

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders

Target Species: Raptors

Spots: 11

Field Trip: American Kestrel

Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Transportation: Bus

Cost: $45

Guide(s): HawkWatch International Staff

Description: Learn about American Kestrel behavior. You will visit active American Kestrel nests to observe and monitor.

Meeting Location: Eccles Wildlife Education Center

Activity Level: Accessible

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders, Families with Children

Target Species: Raptors

Spots: 15

Field Trip: Birding by Kayak at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Transportation: Self-Drive

Cost: $45

Guide(s): Billy Fenimore and TBA

Description: Hasenyager Preserve’s Aquatic Nature Adventure

Join us for an aquatic birding adventure throughout the wetlands of Farmington Bay’s Hasenyager Preserve. Learn more about what birds are in the area and listen to the sounds of the wetlands.

Paddling on the calm waters that wind through the wetlands and discover all of its wild offerings. Having all these ecosystems so close together provide a perfect habitat for a variety of wildlife and plants blooming along the water’s edge. The wetlands waters will take you deep into the marsh and provide wonderful opportunities to spy a few of our feathered friends.

Keep an eye out for hawks, fox and long-tailed weasels hunting the banks looking for their next meal. A variety of waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds frequent all corners of the wetlands. So come join us on a wetland adventure!

*Kayak is included

Meeting Location: Eccles Wildlife Education Center

Activity Level: Active

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders

Target Species: Wetland species

Spots available: 6

Field Trip: Burrowing Owls of Antelope Island

Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Transportation: Bus

Cost: $45

Guide(s): HawkWatch International Staff

Description: Think you know everything about owls? Well not these little hoots. Come see the underground-dwelling, awake in the day, sentinels of the grasslands – Burrowing Owls. This is a field trip to Antelope Island State Park to look for Burrowing Owl sites.

*Ticket includes park entry

Meeting Location: Eccles Wildlife Education Center

Activity Level: Accessible

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders, Families with Children

Target Species: Owls

Spots: 15

#10

Field Trip: Antelope Island Owl Prowl

Time: 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Transportation: Van

Cost: $45

Guide(s): HawkWatch International, Trish Ackley

Description: Who, Who should go? Owl lovers, that's WHO! Antelope Island is prime habitat for several species of owl: Great Horned, Barn, Burrowing, Long-eared and Short-eared owls. Great opportunity to see other wildlife in the park. Picturesque views of the lake and timing of this evening trip will be great for photographing the island’s famous sunsets.

*Ticket includes park entry

Meeting Location: Eccles Wildlife Education Center

Activity Level: Moderate

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders, Families with Children

Target Species: Owls

Spots: 15

#11

Field Trip: Mountain Owls*

Time: 7:30 pm - Midnight

Transportation: Minibus

Cost: $75

Guide(s): Mike Hearell, Connor Johnson

Description: Join us as we search local mountain areas for some of Utah’s many owl species. The main target bird will be the Flammulated Owl, but others including the Northern Saw-whet Owl, Western Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, and Northern Pygmy-Owl may be seen. Other possible species include Common Poorwill, Common Nighthawk, Swainson’s Thrush, and Hermit Thrush.

*Weather dependent, makeup trip May 13, 2022. Be sure to bring a drink, flashlight, and wear appropriate clothing.

Meeting Location: Eccles Wildlife Education Center

Activity Level: Moderate

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders

Target Species: Owls

Spots: 9

#39

Field Trip: Bird Banding & Mist-Netting at Farmington Creek

Time: 7:00 am to 9:00 am & 9:00 am to 11:00 am

Transportation: Self-drive

Cost: $25

Guide(s): Russ Lawrence

Description: Join Russ Lawrence the Natural Resource Manager for Hill Air Force Base and support team for a live bird banding/mist–netting demonstration. A fascination and appreciation for birds can be fostered during a mist-netting demonstration. The live bird in the hand is the hook to draw in people and develop an interest in our feathered friends. This is a great opportunity to learn about banding birds from local experts. Also, a great way for beginners to learn about birds is to see them up close, first, before being able to identify them in the field. Depending on how many birds we capture, participants may be able to hold a bird after the banding to release it!

Meeting Location: Eccles Wildlife Education Center

Activity Level: Moderate

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders, Families with Children

FRIDAY, MAY 13th

#12

Field Trip: Deseret Ranch Wildlife Adventure

Time: 5:30 am - 5:30 pm

Transportation: Self-Drive 4X4, carpool required

Cost: $60

Guide(s): Billy Fenimore and TBA

Description: Deseret Ranch is a large cattle ranch sprawling over 220,000 acres. The ranch is managed under a holistic program where wildlife and their habitats are nurtured. Deseret Ranch is recognized as a Global Important Bird Area (GIBA). It is designated as a National Audubon Important Bird Area (IBA). A diversity of habitats will be explored from sub alpine, mixed montane coniferous and aspen forests to riparian stream corridors, sage-steppe, desert scrub, grassland, wet meadow, pond and lake. During a typical birding day on Deseret Ranch, we will see over 100 bird species. We will take you throughout these habitats and share with you my passion for our feathered friends and the beautiful landscape they call home.

Meeting Location: Weber Park and Ride

Activity Level: Moderate

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders, Families with Children

Target Species: Greater sage grouse, Ferruginous Hawk, Burrowing Owl, and Prairie Falcon. Golden Eagle, Swanson’s Hawk, Sagebrush Sparrow

Spots available: 24

#13

Field Trip: Cache Valley Hotspots

Time: 6:00 am - 3:00 pm

Transportation: Bus

Cost: $45

Guide(s): Adam Brewerton

Description: Cache Valley is one of the lesser known birding hot spots in the West. Our trip will reveal the area’s great diversity and wealth of birds and other wildlife secrets. The trip will visit a variety of habitats and microclimates, ranging from sub-alpine forest to fast-flowing trout streams and semi-desert savanna to wetlands. We will also see The Barrens, a Bridgerland Audubon Chapter sanctuary project.

Meeting Location: Eccles Wildlife Education Center

Activity Level: Active

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders, Families with Children

Target Species: White-faced Ibis, American Dipper, Great Horned Owl, and Bewick's Wren

Spots: 53

#14

Field Trip: Morgan County Backyard Birding

Time: 7:30 am - 2:00 pm

Transportation: Self-Drive

Cost: $25

Guide(s): Weston Smith, Arnold Smith

Description: Some of the best birding in Morgan County is found in the backyards of the houses in the quaint small towns of Morgan and Croydon in Weber Canyon. Cavity-nesting Tree Swallows, House Wrens, and American Kestrel will be target birds. Bird feeders will be attracting Black-headed Grosbeaks, Bullock's Orioles, Cassin's Finches, Lazuli Buntings, and hummingbirds. This trip has averaged approximately 65 species per year and surprises are always possible. We will also bird along the Weber River in Henefer looking for large nesting birds such as raptors and herons.

We recommend you bring outdoor gear for the forecast weather, snacks, water, insect repellant, lunch, sunscreen, etc.

Meeting Location: Riverside Park, Morgan

Activity Level: Easy

Good For: Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders, Families with Children

Target Species: Waterfowl, Wading Birds, Raptors, Flycatchers, Vireos, Swallows, or Shrikes, Corvids, Songbirds

Spots: 15

#15

Field Trip: Birding Diamond Fork Canyon- Utah County

Time: 7:00 am - 2:00 pm

Transportation: Self-Drive

Cost: $30

Guide(s): Keeli Marvel, Terri Pope

Description: Diamond Fork Canyon encompasses a wide diversity of habitats including montane forest, sagebrush, scrub oak, juniper forest, wetland marsh, stream, and pond riparian areas and cliff habitat in which a wide diversity of bird species may be found. Possible bird sightings include: Western Tanager, Lazuli Bunting, Western Bluebird, Belted Kingfisher, Western Scrub-jay, Golden Eagle (possibly on a nest), Canyon, Marsh, Pacific wrens, Sage Thrasher, Red-naped Sapsucker, Fox Sparrow. Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and lunch.

Meeting Location: Springville

Activity Level: Moderate

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders

Target Species: Raptors, Woodpeckers, Flycatchers, Vireos, Swallows, or Shrikes, Corvids, Songbirds

Spots: 10

#16

Field Trip: Utah County Hot Spots

Time: 7:00 am - 2:00 pm

Transportation: Self-Drive

Cost: $30

Guide(s): Suzi Holt, Amanda Tinoco, Jessica Holt

Description: We will begin our trip in the Genola Goshen Canyon area. We hope to see Blue Grosbeak, Yellow-breasted Chat, Sora, Virginia Rails, Canyon Wren and some waterfowl and shorebirds. Looking out for Short-eared, Great-horned, and Barn Owls. We will continue along Elberta Slant Rd. looking for Long-billed Curlew, Burrowing Owl and Gray Vireo. Lunch break in Eureka. Then we will explore the East Tintic Mountains for Juniper Titmouse, Flycatchers, Vireos and Warblers.

There are not many rest stops on this trip. We will stop in Elberta at a Porta potty and in Eureka at the gas station, you will need to purchase something to be able to use the restrooms.

Meeting Location: Check website for details

Activity Level: Easy

Good For: Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders, Families with Children

Target Species: Waterfowl, Shorebirds, Wading Birds, Raptors, Woodpeckers, Flycatchers, Vireos, Swallows, or Shrikes, Corvids, Songbirds

Spots: 15

#17

Field Trip: Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter, Sandhill Cranes, and More

Time: 7:00 am - 11:00 am

Transportation: Self-Drive

Cost: $30

Guide(s): Vivian Schneggenburger, Swaner Staff

Description: Come visit high altitude wet meadows, marshes, riparian areas and uplands here in search of Sandhill Cranes. Cranes have successfully nested and reared their young in the Preserve in years past and are typically very visible during the spring. Surrounded by a scenic backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains, walk along trails normally closed to the public. These high altitude wetlands and adjacent uplands are home to more than 70 species of birds, including Mountain Bluebirds, Yellow-headed and Red-winged Blackbirds, swallows, various raptors and Yellow Warblers.

Meeting Location: Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter

Meet in front of the Swaner EcoCenter: 1258 Center Dr., Park City, UT 84098. Plan to explore the exhibits at the conclusion of the tour. Visit www.swanerecocenter.org for more information.

Activity Level: Active

Good For: Intermediate Birders

Target Species: Waterfowl, Shorebirds, Wading Birds

Spots: 15

#18

Field Trip: Birding Willard Bay State Park

Time: 7:30 am - 12:00 pm

Transportation: Self-Drive

Cost: $25

Guide(s): Valerie Frokjer, Dickson Smith

Description: This trip will walk around the campground looking through trees and bushes. We will also look out on Willard Bay for waterbirds, hoping for a Loon. Other possible species include Gray Catbird, Bullock’s Oriole, Western Tanager, Downy Woodpecker, Willow

Flycatcher, Black-headed Grosbeak, swallows, and various warblers.

Meeting Location: Willard Bay State Park

Activity Level: Easy

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders

Target Species: Waterfowl, Galliformes, Shorebirds, Wading Birds, Raptors, Woodpeckers, Flycatchers, Vireos, Swallows, or Shrikes, Corvids, Songbirds

Spots: 15

#19

Field Trip: Research Boat Tour on the Great Salt Lake*

Time: 10:00 am and 1:00 pm

Transportation: Self-Drive

Cost: $45

Guide(s): John Luft

Description: Why is there such an abundant suite of wildlife, particularly birds on Great Salt Lake? Take a ride with the wildlife biologist who is responsible for monitoring the lake’s health. Board the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources research boat and experience Great Salt Lake’s ecosystem first hand. You will likely see Eared Grebes and various gulls, although this is not a birding trip. This excursion is a hands-on learning experience about GSL ecology and current research projects. The geology and history of the islands and other landscapes will be discussed.

Two trip opportunities are available. Please select your start time of 10:00 am or 1:00 pm

during registration.

*Trip is weather and water level dependent. Water level will be determined on April, 30, 2022. Weather date, Sunday, May 15, 2022.

Meeting Location: Great Salt Lake State Park Marina

Activity Level: Easy

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders

Target Species: Eared Grebes, various Gulls

Spots: 8

#20

Field Trip: Beginning Birding: Farmington Bay

Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Transportation: Self-Drive

Cost: $10 *kids under 12 free

Guide(s): Dallin Henderson, Max Malmquist

Description: We will walk to explore the area and wetlands around the Wildlife Education Center and practice new birding skills.

Meeting Location: Eccles Wildlife Education Center

Activity Level: Easy

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders, Families with Children

Target Species: Canada Goose, Mallard, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, California Gull, Forster’s Tern, American White Pelican, Yellow-headed Blackbird and Red-winged Blackbird

Spots: 20

#21

Field Trip: Antelope Island Owl Prowl

Time: 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Transportation: Minibus

Cost: $45

Guide(s): HawkWatch International Staff, Trish Ackley

Description: Who, Who should go? Owl lovers, that's WHO! Antelope Island is prime habitat for several species of owl: Great Horned, Barn, Burrowing, Long-eared and Short-eared owls. Great opportunity to see other wildlife in the park. Picturesque views of the Lake and timing of this evening trip will be great for photographing the island’s famous sunsets.

*Ticket includes park entry

Meeting Location: Eccles Wildlife Education Center

Activity Level: Moderate

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders, Families with Children

Target Species: Owls

Spots: 10

#22

Field Trip: Utah County Evening Hot Spots

Time: 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Transportation: Self-Drive

Cost: $30

Guide(s): Danielle Finlayson & Jeff Cooper

Description: This trip will start during the day in the valley near Utah Lake and finish high in the mountains of American Fork Canyon in the evening. Be prepared for waterfowl and warblers in the day and poor wills and owls at night.

Probable Birds: Woodhouse’s Scrub-jay, Steller’s Jay, Yellow Warbler, Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Long-billed Dowitcher, Wilson’s Phalarope, Caspian Tern, Forster’s Tern, Northern Harrier, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Western Kingbird, Eastern Kingbird, Mountain Chickadee, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Chipping Sparrow, Brewer’s Sparrow, Bullock’s Oriole, Western Tanager, Orange-crowned Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Black-headed Grosbeak, Lazuli Bunting, Common Poorwill, and many others.

Meeting Location: Dirt parking lot on the north shore of Utah Lake at 40.362657, -111.886642

To reach the trailhead from I-15, take exit 265 for Provo Center Street and continue west on Center Street towards Utah Lake State Park. After approximately 2.5 miles you will reach the Utah Lake State Park entrance. Do not enter the park; turn right onto North Boat Harbor Drive. Continue to a “T” in the road and turn left onto 4200 West. There is no formal parking lot, but you may park alongside the dead-end road. The trail begins on the north side at the end of the road.

Activity Level: Moderate

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders

Target Species: Waterfowl, Shorebirds, Wading Birds, Raptors, Songbirds

Spots: 15

#40

Field Trip: Bird Banding & Mist-Netting at Farmington Creek

Time: 7:00 am to 9:00 am & 9:00 am to 11:00 am

Transportation: Self-drive

Cost: $25

Guide(s): Russ Lawrence

Meeting Location: Eccles Wildlife Education Center

Activity Level: Moderate

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders, Families with Children

SATURDAY, MAY 14th

#23

Field Trip: Bird the West Desert & Pony Express Trail

Time: 6:00 am - 3:00 pm

Transportation: Minibus

Cost: $80

Guide(s): Keeli Marvel

Description: Bird the West Desert and the Pony Express Trail. Experience the birds of the West Desert and the ruggedness of the Pony Express Trail first hand. We'll bird a loop starting at Clover Springs CG in Johnson Pass, traveling over to Lookout Pass, and back around past Fitzgerald WMA. Highlights could include desert specialties such as Bushtits, Juniper Titmice, Pinyon Jays, Sagebrush Sparrows, Black-throated Gray Warblers, and Horned Larks.

Meeting Location: Eccles Wildlife Education Center

Activity Level: Moderate

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders

Target Species: Waterfowl, Raptors, Woodpeckers, Flycatchers, Vireos, Swallows, or Shrikes, Corvids, Songbirds

Spots: 11

#24

Field Trip: Birding by Ear

Time: 7:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cost: $50

Transportation: Minibus

Guide(s): Merrill Webb

Description: This field trip will focus on listening to the songs and calls of common Utah birds first of all in a small group setting and then visiting nearby locales in Davis County where these birds will be setting up their territories. Bring binoculars, water and a desire to improve your birding skills.

Meeting Location: Eccles Wildlife Education Center

Activity Level: Easy

Good For: Beginning Birders

Target Species: Woodpeckers, Corvids, Songbirds

Spots: 11

#25

Field Trip: Behind the Gates at Legacy Nature Preserve

Time: 7:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cost: $50

Transportation: Van/Minibus

Guide(s): Andrea Nelson

Description: This is a rare opportunity to go behind the gates at Legacy Nature Preserve. You will be guided along remnant oxbow features of the Jordan River to view migrant and resident waterfowl and shorebirds. You will also be treated to views of one of only four, known, active Bald Eagle nests in northern Utah. Rubber boots are advised.

Meeting Location: Eccles Wildlife Education Center

Activity Level: Accessible

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders

Target Species: Waterfowl, Galliformes, Shorebirds, Wading Birds, Raptors, Woodpeckers, Flycatchers, Vireos, Swallows, or Shrikes, Corvids, Songbirds

Spots: 12

#26

Field Trip: Utah County Hot Spots

Time: 7:00 am - 2:00 pm

Transportation: Self-Drive

Cost: $30

Guide(s): Suzi Holt, Amanda Tinoco, Jessica Holt

Description: We will begin our trip in the Genola Goshen Canyon area. We hope to see Blue Grosbeak, Yellow-breasted Chat, Sora, Virginia Rails, Canyon Wren and some waterfowl and shorebirds. Looking out for Short-eared, Great-horned, and Barn Owls. We will continue along Elberta Slant Rd. looking for Long-billed Curlew, Burrowing Owl and Gray Vireo. Lunch break in Eureka. Then we will explore the East Tintics for Juniper Titmouse, Flycatchers, Vireos and Warblers.

There are not many rest stops on this trip. We will stop in Elberta at a Porta potty and in Eureka at the gas station, you will need to purchase something to be able to use the restrooms.

Meeting Location: Utah County

Activity Level: Easy

Good For: Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders, Families with Children

Target Species: Waterfowl, Shorebirds, Wading Birds, Raptors, Woodpeckers, Flycatchers, Vireos, Swallows, or Shrikes, Corvids, Songbirds

Spots: 15

#27

Field Trip: Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Behind the Gates

Time: 7:00 am - 11:00 am

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

9:00 am - 1:00 pm

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Transportation: Self-Drive (carpool recommended)

Cost: $35

Guide(s): Local Guides and Bear River Staff

Description: Spend a day with expert birders on a birding adventure at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. You will soon learn and see why this area has been protected over the last 75 years. It is considered one of the top ten birding spots in the nation and one of Utah’s premier birding hotspots. It’s 78,000 acres provide a vast wetland habitat for a phenomenal number of migrants including waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, White-faced Ibis, several species of blackbirds, gulls, terns, swallows, marsh wrens, and more. This trip will caravan around the auto tour loop with stops and do some walking behind the gates. This is a great field trip for all levels of birders.

Four trip opportunities are available. Please select your start time of 7am, 8am, 9am, or 10am during registration.

*Going behind the refuge gates will be contingent upon the amount of nesting birds. If there are many birds actively nesting on the road, the tour will move to the Auto Tour Route instead.

Meeting Location: Bear River Refuge Center

Activity Level: Moderate

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders, Families with Children

Target Species: Waterfowl, Shorebirds, Wading Birds, Raptors, Flycatchers, Vireos, Swallows, or Shrikes

Spots: 12 per start time

#28

Field Trip: Morgan County Backyard Birding

Time: 7:30 am - 2:00 pm

Transportation: Self-Drive

Cost: $25

Guide(s): Weston Smith, Arnold Smith

Meeting Location: Morgan

Activity Level: Easy

Good For: Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders, Families with Children

Target Species: Waterfowl, Wading Birds, Raptors, Flycatchers, Vireos, Swallows, or Shrikes, Corvids, Songbirds

Spots: 15

#29

Field Trip: Birding by Electric Bike

Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Transportation: Self-Drive

Cost: $50

Guide(s): Jordan Herman, Sammy Riccio

Description: Join us for an easy 4.5-mile ride on e-bikes (electric bikes) along the Jordan River Parkway. This is one of the best places to find birds and other wildlife in the city, and all the energy you'll save peddling less can be spent on looking for birds. You're sure to see blackbirds, swallows, waterfowl, and songbirds. Raptors, quail, and wading birds are strong possibilities. We'll be sure to stop for plenty of birding breaks along the way. Bike rental and helmet are included in the cost of the field trip. Please note that although using e-bikes is less strenuous than riding traditional bikes, participants should be in good health and able to walk 2-3 miles at a brisk pace without difficulty.

Meeting Location: Tracy Aviary's Jordan River Nature Center, 1125 W 3300 S, South Salt Lake, UT 84119

Activity Level: Active

Good For: Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders

Target Species: Waterfowl, Galliformes, Raptors, Swallows, Corvids, Songbirds

Spots: 15

#30

Field Trip: Birding for Families

Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Transportation: Self-Drive

Cost: $7

Guide(s): Melissa Halvorsen, Chris Butler

Description: If you've been looking for a way to get the whole family into birding, this field trip is the perfect opportunity. Participants will get the chance to meet a live bird, explore the features that attract birds to the environment, learn how to use binoculars and field guides, and look for wild birds at Red Butte Gardens, one of Salt Lake's easily accessible birding hotspots. This program is designed for families with children ages five and up.

Meeting Location: Red Butte Garden Visitor Center, Salt Lake City

Activity Level: Accessible

Good For: Beginning Birders, Families with Children

Target Species: Galliformes, Raptors, Swallows, Songbirds

Spots: 20

#41

Field Trip: Bird Banding & Mist-Netting at Farmington Creek

Time: 7:00 am to 9:00 am

Transportation: Self-drive

Cost: $25

Guide(s): Russ Lawrence

Meeting Location: Eccles Wildlife Education Center

Activity Level: Moderate

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders, Families with Children

SUNDAY, MAY 15th

#31

Field Trip: East Canyon State Park

Time: 5:00 am - 12:00 pm

Transportation: Self-Drive

Cost: $30

Guide(s): Weston Smith and Chris Haramoto

Description: We will begin at the Henefer Lek to look for the greater sage grouse.The tour will view feeders placed in the state park and look for water birds on the reservoir. We will then travel to several other locations within the park looking for mountain birds.

Meeting Location: East Canyon State Park

Activity Level: Easy to Moderate

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders, Families with Children

Target Species: Greater Sage Grouse, Golden Eagles, Mountain Bluebirds

Spots: 20

#32

Field Trip: Marathon Birding

Time: 6:00 am - Midnight

Transportation: Van

Guide(s): Tim Avery, Jeff Bilsky, Mike Hearell, Kenny Frisch

Description: What happens when you take 4 crazy birding guides, a couple of vans, and have 18 hours during the height of migration in northern Utah? Marathon Birding with Pitta Tours of course! Join Mike, Kenny, Jeff, and Tim as they guide you along the shores and wetlands of the Great Salt Lake, through the canyons and mountains of the Wasatch front, and try to seek out 150 species in a fast-paced, bird-filled, sort-of big day. Over the past 13 years, we've averaged just over 150 species each day and topped out at 170 in 2015. We never know what we'll find, but we will have a great time, and cap things off with a spectacular Flammulated Owling outing! Meals, snacks, water bottles, and a swag bag are included!

Visit https://www.pittatours.com/tour-marathon to see options, pricing, and Register for this trip!

Meeting Location: Eccles Wildlife Education Center

Activity Level: Active

Spots: 10

#33

Field Trip: Best of Antelope Island

Time: 7:00 am - 12:00 pm

Transportation: Self-Drive

Cost: $30

Guide(s): Trish Ackley, Brittney Whitecar

Description: Beginning birders and families with children will enjoy a trip from the Antelope Island Causeway to the Fielding Garr Ranch, stopping along the way to catch a glimpse and learn the vocalizations of many species of birds. We'll learn about the role Great Salt Lake plays in bird migration. *Ticket includes park entry.

Meeting Location: Antelope Island State Park

Activity Level: Accessible

Good For: Beginning Birders, Families with Children

Target Species: Special spotlight - Wilson's Phalarope, American Avocet, Long Billed, Curlew, Burrowing Owl, Chukar Partridge, Great Horned Owl

Spots: 20

#34

Field Trip: Birds of the Great Salt Lake

Time: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm

Transportation: Minibus

Cost: $80

Guide(s): Bryant Olsen

Description: We will explore the different habitats at Great Salt Lake from freshwater wetlands, playas and mudflats to open Saltwater as well as upland steppe of the lakes islands and peninsulas to understand the numbers and diversity of birds that make this an internationally significant ecosystem and a great place to go birding.

Meeting Location: Eccles Wildlife Education Center

Activity Level: Easy

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders

Target Species: Waterfowl, Galliformes, Shorebirds, Wading Birds, Raptors, Woodpeckers, Flycatchers, Vireos, Swallows, or Shrikes, Corvids, Songbirds

Spots: 11

#35

Field Trip: Bountiful Pond

Time: 7:30 am - 10:00 am

Transportation: Self-Drive

Cost: $15

Guide(s): TBA

Description: Located on the outskirts of Farmington Bay WMA, Bountiful Pond is a lovely oasis for all kinds of birds. This trip involves walking around the pond. The large pond provides a stopover area for many gulls and waterfowl, and the surrounding trees and fields hide many songbirds, owls, and other birds with close viewing opportunities. During migration, Bountiful Pond can often house rare vagrants like Eastern Wood Warblers.

Species to see: Wood Duck, Mallard, Cinnamon Teal, Red-breasted Merganser, Pied-billed Grebe, Western Grebe, American White Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Northern Harrier, Osprey, Virginia Rail, American Coot, Wilson’s Snipe, California Gull, Caspian Tern, Forster’s Tern, Barn Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Northern Flicker, American Kestrel, Western Wood-pewee, Dusky Flycatcher, Black-billed Magpie, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Marsh Wren, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Song Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Western Tanager, Yellow-headed Blackbird, and Great-tailed Grackle.

Meeting Location: Bountiful Pond

Activity Level: Easy

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders, Families with Children

Target Species: Waterfowl, Wading Birds, Raptors, Flycatchers, Vireos, Swallows, or Shrikes, Songbirds

Spots: 20

#36

Field Trip: Avifauna and Art: Spiral Jetty Adventure

Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Transportation: Minibus

Cost: $60

Guide(s): Jaimi Butler, Max Malmquist

Description: Spiral Jetty, one of the world’s most iconic examples of land art, is also a birders paradise! Located in the remote North Arm of Great Salt Lake there are many opportunities to spot different birds. On the long drive through the grassland and sagebrush landscape, we will surely see many raptors including Ferruginous Hawks, Swainson’s Hawks and Golden Eagles. Once at Spiral Jetty, amidst the hypersaline (and very pink) waters we will encounter American White Pelicans that breed on the remote Gunnison Island flying overhead in their daily search for fish in the lake’s eastern freshwater wetlands. For more information about Robert Smithson’s Spiral Jetty please visit: https://www.diaart.org/visit/visit-our-locations-sites/robert-smithson-spiral-jetty

National Audubon’s Max Malmquist will help us try to find Grasshopper and Sagebrush Sparrows, Long-billed Curlews and Snowy Plovers. As a steward of Spiral Jetty and avid GSL nerd, Westminster’s Jaimi Butler will help explore the ecology, history and the art of Spiral Jetty. She also never shuts up about Pelicans that form the basis of her student’s research.

We will provide you with lunch and can accommodate dietary restrictions. This trip requires walking over uneven terrain for long distances in any kind of weather. There is no cell phone service or bathrooms at the site (but there are bathrooms along the way!)

Meeting Location: Eccles Wildlife Education Center

Activity Level: Moderate

Good For: Intermediate Birders

Target Species: Shorebirds, Raptors, Songbirds

Spots: 20

#37

Field Trip: Birding for Families

Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Transportation: Self-Drive

Cost: $7

Guide(s): Melissa Halvorsen, Chris Butler

Meeting Location: Red Butte Garden Visitor Center, Salt Lake City

Activity Level: Accessible

Good For: Beginning Birders, Families with Children

Target Species: Galliformes, Raptors, Swallows, Songbirds

Spots: 20

#38

Field Trip: Snowbasin Forest Owls

Time: 7:00 pm - Midnight

Transportation: Self-Drive

Cost: $40

Guide(s): Markus Mika, HawkWatch International Staff

Description: Night field trip at Snowbasin Resort/Maples Campground looking for Flammulated and Northern Saw-whet Owls. Join us for a walk through the woods (up to 1.5 miles in undulating terrain) to listen for and watch small forest owls in their natural habitat.

Meeting Location: Maples Trailhead Campground, Snowbasin

Activity Level: Moderate

Good For: Advanced Birders, Intermediate Birders, Beginning Birders, Families with Children

Target Species: Raptors

Spots: 10

Keynote Address 2022

Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 6:00pm MT

Cost: $45
Join us as Dr. Mika presents on “Nesting Biology and Migration in a Small Northern Utah Forest Owl: Lessons from 20 Years of Field Work and Community Science”. This presentation will highlight 20 years of work studying Flammulated Owl populations not only in northern Utah, but across their distribution in search of patterns in evolution, breeding and foraging ecology, and conservation.

Pre-Festival Trips

Utah Highlights Tour

Time: : May 11, 6:00 am to May 14 5:00 pm • 4-day/3-night trip

Guide(s): Tim Avery and Kenny Frisch

Description: May in Utah is one of the best times to take advantage of birding across the entire state. While some of the best high elevation sites are still inaccessible, many of the low elevation locations more than make up for birds with migrants! This tour will cover the entire western half of the state, staring at the Great Salt Lake, and then spending 3 days discovering the incredible birding anchored around the southwest corner of the state and the Mojave Desert. With visits to Zion National Park, the Beaver Dam Conservation Area, and Kolob Plateau, this will be a memorable tour highlighting the variety of birds and places Utah has to offer.

Visit: Pitta Tours’ website to see options, pricing, and register for this trip. https://www.pittatours.com/tour-highlights

Bird Better in Utah

Time: : May 9, 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm • May 10-11, 7:00 am - 4:30 pm

Guide(s): Cameron Cox

Description: Mix of classroom and field training at Antelope Island and Farmington Bay WMA. Bird Better is a workshop with the sole focus of training better birders. It is the perfect boost if you feel your birding ability is stagnating or if you just want to improve your skills. Our indoor sessions will cover concepts using cutting-edge research and techniques across fields as diverse as sports and human psychology. We will apply these concepts using the incredible birding available at Great Salt Lake hotspots such as Antelope Island and Farmington Bay WMA. Lessons and ID skills learned in Bird Better will be integrated seamlessly into your birding and continue to help you improve for years to come. The workshops cover a ton of subject matter, but do so in a fun, informal setting.

Visit: Avocet Birding Courses website for more information and booking options.

Share and Connect

Great Salt Lake Bird Festival

Tweets by @GSLBirdFest