VERNAL — The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to host the 15th local bird count at the Ouray National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, Dec. 14.
The event, part of the 120th Audubon Christmas Bird County, will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the refuge, 19001 E. Wildlife Refuge Road, in Randlett, Uintah County.
In addition, the DWR will also partner with the Moab Bird Club to conduct a count near Moab on the same day from 8 a.m. to noon.
Each count will take place in a 15-mile diameter circle, and volunteers will be given specific routes to drive and hike, counting every bird they see or hear. Beginners will be paired with an advanced birder who can help them identify different species.
“During these annual counts, we’ve collected more than 100 years of information about birds,” Tonya Kieffer-Selby, DWR regional conservation outreach manager, said in a statement.
“We’re using that data to assess the overall health of bird populations and to implement any conservation actions that may be needed for species survival.”
Kieffer-Selby said the count is important because recent studies have shown that over 3 billion birds have been lost in North America in the last 50 years.
“Birds,” she said, “are indicators of what’s happening in an environment. The data we gather about our local birds provides valuable information to conservation efforts worldwide.”
Participants at either event should bring a pair of binoculars, and volunteers attending the Randlett event should also bring a breakfast snack for a morning potluck. DWR will also have binoculars on site for volunteers to use. Volunteers can attend for the whole day or for a short time. Those who plan to stay all day should pack a lunch, bring water and dress warmly.
While the events are free, participants are asked to register in advance on Eventbrite for the Randlett event. Those interested in attending the Moab event should call 435-820-6249 for details.