“There’s always more than meets the eye out there,” says Rhea Cone, director of conservation at Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter at Kimball Junction. She’s talking specifically about the 1200 acres of the preserve, but it’s a truth that applies to all forays into nature: The more you slow down and immerse yourself in a quiet state of observation, the more you see.
Birdwatching is having a moment, as more people flock to the pastime due to popularity on social media. It appeals to a wide range of folks for a variety of factors such as easy access for almost anyone, anywhere, and at any age. And aside from a pair of binoculars and fuel, it’s free.
With the dramatic migrations of birds that take place in spring and fall, one could assume that few birds stick around Utah during the winter. On the contrary, a surprising number and variety of species are year-round residents.
“I love observing wildlife in winter,” says Cone. “It’s a window into what’s happening.” Birding is more than just spotting the birds themselves, she says, but signs of birds, e.g. pellets (indigestible ovals of food, most commonly from owls); feathers, and tracks in the snow of either talons or wing beats, which create an etched impression in the snow.
“Wing-prints in the snow show you that a bird of prey has caught something,” Cone explains, a clue that a raptor has been in the area.
Winging It: The Basics
When planning your birdwatching trip, you need only an interest in birding and a pair of binoculars. It helps to have a beginner’s knowledge of how to bird, but basically you see a bird and take quick mental notes of size, shape, color, and behavior. For example, if you saw an American robin, you’d note that it was eight-to-ten inches long with a yellow beak and red breast, and that it was observed hopping around on the ground (most likely). Even better, bring a friend who birds, a field guide, and a notebook, so you can identify and record what you see.
For winter excursions along the Wasatch Back, where you go determines your gear and attire. If you’re heading out on a trail in boots or on snowshoes, dress for active warmth. Breathable layers are key, as well as a hat and gloves. You might be birding from your car, observing bird activity over a reservoir, or in a far-off tree. In this case, still dress warmly as you’ll want to turn off the engine.
Take Flight: Where to Go
A great place to begin your winter of birdwatching is the Swaner Preserve to not only see birds but learn more about them. Cone suggests signing up for the Saturday Morning Nature Walks which, while not birding-specific, will still likely lead to some sightings. When there is snow on the ground, nature walks take place on snowshoes, and you can bring your own or rent them at the center, which also loans out binoculars.
Beyond the preserve, head into the forest, or to bodies of water that haven’t frozen over. “Winter birding is fairly limited,” says Bryant Olsen, a conservation ecologist with the Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City. “But there are some birds around even in the coldest weather.”
Olsen’s favorites places include Echo Canyon Reservoir for its surrounding stands of juniper trees which attract flocks of berry-eating birds like cedar waxwings, Bohemian waxwings and American robins. “Also look for Woodhouse’s scrub-jays, pinyon jays, juniper titmouse, bushtits, and Townsend’s solitaires,” he says, noting that Rockport Reservoir has the same forests and potential. Echo, or any area with surrounding big cliffs, can host large flocks of rosy finches.
Birds of a Feather: Tours and Events
Snow doesn’t stop birds from hanging out, and it doesn’t have to stop you from looking for them. Whether on skis or snowshoes, winter sports in the forest can be paired with birding. “Any mountain area dominated by conifer forest will have some hardy overwintering birds,” Olsen says, like chickadees, nuthatches, jays, and woodpeckers. “In some years with good conifer cone crops, large flocks of finches such as red crossbills and pine siskins are also around.”
If you’re unsure about going it alone, you can join expert birders on an alpine skiing adventure offered by the aviary at Alta Ski Resort. “Birding on Skis” is a bi-weekly bird survey that takes place every first and third Thursday from December through April. For more than a decade, Alta has been guiding novice and experienced birders on these mountain tours to “identify Alta’s avian residents by sight and sound,” according to the website. Participants must be 12 years old, and registration and intermediate skiing skills are required. Visit www.alta.com to sign up.
If the idea of being a part of bird surveys like the one at Alta is appealing, you can be part of nationwide tribe of citizen naturalists and join the National Audubon Society’s Annual Christmas Bird Count. Every year, thousands of birders volunteer to note and count the birds in their neighborhood, submitting the sightings to the overall census. The count is an official census with real data that aids in conservation, so you need to sign up with an existing circle.
Visit www.audubon.org for more information.
