Most people know ducks and geese migrate out of Utah in the winter and that eagles move in. And that in the spring the ducks and geese move back and the eagles move out.
When talking about migrating birds, however, few think about the yellow warbler, American robin, least flycatcher or yellow-billed cuckoo.
Songbirds are, in fact, as much a part of the migratory community as are raptors and waterfowl.
Some birds fly thousands of miles to wintering areas in Mexico and South America and then return in the spring. How they do it will be one of the subjects covered Saturday during International Migratory Bird Day, which is part of Utah's Ninth Annual Migratory Bird and Wetlands Month. A number of activities are planned this month through the Division of Wildlife Resources and Utah Partners in Flight.
According to Bob Walters, watchable wildlife program coordinator for the DWR, there are around 350 species of birds that travel, some long distances and some shorter distances, in and out of Utah during the year.
Walters points out that weather conditions as well as a lack of insects — a primary food supply for many birds — in the colder months is another reason for the annual moves.
But with warmer weather and insect hatches starting up, the birds are beginning to move back. Or, in the case of eagles, to move out.
A number of activities are scheduled for Saturday as well as later in the month. They include:
Tracy Aviary — Educational booths will teach visitors how to protect and appreciate the nearly 350 species of birds that travel between breeding and wintering habitats each year. People can also learn how to create bird-friendly places in their yards that may entice a few migrating birds to stop and set up residence. Activities run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and will also mark the start of the aviary's Birds of a Feather free-flight bird shows. Showtimes are noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
The Saturday event is free with regular aviary admission. Tracy Aviary is located in the southwest corner of Liberty Park, 589 E. 1300 South. For more information, call Holly Seitz at 801-596-8500 or visit the Tracy Aviary Web site at www.tracyaviary.org.
Hogle Zoo — Activities on Saturday include flight shows, bird demonstrations and a crafts table where attendees can make bird feeders. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information and admission prices, call 801-582-1631. The zoo is located at 2600 E. Sunnyside Ave.
Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge — Located along the historic Pony Express Trail near Dugway, this high-desert oasis features Great Basin birds and wetlands. A number of mini-seminars about birds and bird watching will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., during the Bridges to Birding Family Discovery Day held in conjunction with Migratory Bird Day. For more information, call 522-5353 or 435-831-5353.
There are no concessions at the refuge, so those visiting the site should bring their own food. Drinking water is available. To reach the refuge, follow the Pony Express Trail west from U-36 near Faust. The refuge is 66 miles from the turnoff along a dirt road.
Matheson Wetland Preserve, Moab — This one-of-a-kind wetland and bird sanctuary is located on the edge of the Colorado River. Activities will include naturalist-guided bird walks, bird nest presentations and face painting for kids. The event will run Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Participants should bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a hat, binoculars, a bird ID book and drinks. For more information, call the Nature Conservancy at 435-259-4629.
To reach the preserve, turn north at 500 East in Moab and drive until the road dead-ends at Kane Creek Road. Turn right and drive one-half mile to the entrance
Great Salt Lake Bird Festival — This festival will run May 18—25. This is the fourth year for this festival, which features the ecology and bird life of the Great Salt Lake and adjacent areas. The main events on May 18 include workshops, educational displays, bird demonstrations, children's activities and entertainment at the Davis County Fair Park, 151 S. 1100 West in Farmington.
Kenn Kaufman, author of "Birds of North America," will be the featured speaker at a seminar given at the Fairpark on May 18. The festival also includes a fun run/bike ride and guided tours at a variety of sites around the Great Salt Lake. For more information, contact Davis County Tourism at 801-451-3286 or visit the festival Web site at www.greatsaltlakebirdfest.com
Bear River Bird Festival — The festival will be held at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge on May 25. The refuge, located at the mouth of the Bear River, was designated as the United State's first National Migratory Bird Refuge because of the abundance of bird life it supports. Activities will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and include guided tours, including bicycle tours and a "train" tour through some closed areas, presentations, demonstrations and children's activities. For more information, call 435-723-5887.
To reach the refuge, take exit 366 off I-15 near Brigham City and follow Forest Street west for about 15 miles to the refuge.
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