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The Birds Seen at the
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2013 Great Salt Lake Bird Festival Field Trips
Photo by: Deedee O'Brien. GSL South Shore
Birders on Bus
 = Field Trips 
= Workshops and Presentations  = Fun for KIDS |
| Thurs, May16 » Fri, May17 » Sat, May18 » Sun, May19 » Mon, May20 » |
| SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2013 | |
| #26 6am – 12pm |
Antelope Island: Causeway & Garr Ranch Jeff Bilsky & Jolene Rose Fielding Garr Ranch on Antelope Island is a popular migrant trap. Birds crossing the west desert will into the Ranch's grove of giant cottonwood trees as the first green spot they see. The area offers several springs and trees with plenty of insects. This trip provides a rare early morning opportunity to visit this area before it opens to the public. Possible species: migrating warblers, vireos, flycatchers; also owls, falcons, hawks, woodpeckers, and Virginia Rail. Birding will begin along the causeway and east side of the Island en route to the Ranch. Meet at the Davis County Legacy Events Center. Limit 10. Vans. Cost $33 |
| #27 6am – 12pm |
Legacy Nature Preserve "Behind -the-Gates" Eric McCulley This is a rare opportunity to tour the new Legacy nature Preserve (mitigation property for wetlands impacted by Legacy Parkway). 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 the only Bald Eagle nest in northern Utah. The Bald Eagle pair that nests there have annually produced 2-3 fledgling eaglets over the last 12 years. Rubber boots are advised. Bring water and snacks. Meet at Davis County Legacy Events Center. Limit 10. Vans. Cost $33 |
| #28 7am – 9am |
Glover Ponds at Sunrise Les Talbot These ponds bring YOU into nature. The Great Salt Lake Nature Center deck and surrounding wetlands enhance your opportunity for close-up observation. A nearby Great Blue Heron rookery will be active and American Avocets and other shorebirds and waterfowl will be building nests. Other possible species include: Cinnamon Teal, four species of grebes, Snowy Egrets, Ruddy Ducks, American Pelicans, plus other shorebirds, and other wildlife. A spotting scope will be available. Meet at Davis County Legacy Events Center. Limit 15. Own Vehicles. Cost $13 |
| #29 7am – 11am |
Shorebirds made Simpler - Antelope Island Causeway
Kevin Karlson & John Bellmon This hands-on fieldtrip will concentrate on a basic approach to shorebird ID using both non-changeable physical impressions and details of plumage and feather patterns. Kevin will explain how to build a foundation for shorebird ID using basic impressions of size, shape and body language - then add plumage and feather patterns. Suitable for birders of all levels. Free workshop follows fieldtrip. Meet at Davis County Legacy Events Center Limit 27. Mini-bus. Cost $35 |
| #30 7am – 1 2pm |
Birding by Ear Merrill Webb Every bird species has its own unique song. Imagine being able to identify birds that you cannot see in the canopy and dense scrub by their vocalizations. spend the morning developing your listening skills. Likely species includes a variety of warblers, vireos, chickadees and orioles including: Yellow, MacGillivray's Orange-crowned warblers, Warbling Vireo, Bullock's Oriole, and Black capped Chickadee. Meet at the Davis County Legacy Events Center. Limit 10. Vans. Cost $33 |
| #31 7:30am – 2pm |
Morgan County: Backyard Birding in Two Habitats Arnold Smith & Weston Smith 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 Mountain Bluebirds, Tree and Violet-green Swallows will be target birds. Bird feeders will be attracting Black-headed Grosbeaks, Bullock’s Orioles, Collared Doves, Lazuli Buntings and Hummingbirds. Surprises are always possible. If time permits we will also bird areas along the Weber River. Bring lunch and water. Meet at the Davis County Legacy Events Center. Limit 20. Own vehicles. Cost $13 |
| #32 7:30am – 9am |
Pontoon Boat on Great Salt Lake Dave Chizzone, Gonzo Tours Experience birding on Great Salt Lake in a 27 foot pontoon boat. This t rip goes from the Antelope Island State Park Marina to Egg Island - keeping a distance for nesting birds. Bring your camera and binoculars for a fun trip! Meet at Antelope Island State Park Marina. (I-15 exit #332, go west to Antelope Island). Weather Permitting Limit 14. Own Vehicles. Cost $35 |
| #33 8:30am – 11am |
GSL Shorelands Preserve: Wings & Water Wetlands Exploration for Families with Children
Melinda McAllister, The Nature Conservancy Discover what the birds already know….Wetlands ROCK! You won’t believe what you’ll find as you get up close and personal with the plants and animals of the marshes along the boardwalk of the Nature Conservancy's Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve Visitor Center. Naturalists will engage you and your family in fun, hands-on activities at different stops along the mile-long boardwalk loop that will help you learn about water, soil, plants of the wetlands, and the millions of birds that use wetlands as an important stopping, resting, feeding, and breeding ground every year. You’ll even climb a 40-foot viewing tower for a birds-eye view of the wetlands and nesting ponds! Don’t miss out on this family-oriented exploration of one of the most exciting bird habits along the lake. (All ages are welcome- tower and boardwalk are wheelchair accessible). Meet at site: 3200 West Gentile, Layton. Turn south on 3200 West. Limit 20. Own Vehicles. Cost $13 |
| #34 9am – 12pm |
Burrowing Owls Field Trip Boyd White & Elissa Story You will get to see Burrowing Owl sites at Antelope Island State Park. Limit 10. Vans. Cost $25 |
| #35 9am – 12pm |
Farmington Bay WMA "Behind-the-Gates" (Units 1 & 2) Kyle Stone & Adam Brewerton This is the field trip that follows the 8 am Birding for Families Free Workshop. Great Salt Lake is a western hemisphere shorebird preserve IBA and the Bay will be alive with residents and arriving ‘new’ migrants. You can be part of their adventure and see nest-building in action. Possible species include: Northern Shoveler, Grebes, Ring-necked Stilt, Cinnamon Teal, American Pelican, Great Blue Herons, and maybe Virginia Rails and Sora. Meet at the Davis County Legacy Events Center. Limit 54. Bus. Cost $25 |
| #36 10am – 2pm |
Boy Scout Merit Badge & Youth Program
 Dallin Henderson & Todd Turner This is an exciting opportunity for scouts 11-17 to earn the Bird Study Merit Badge. Learn about the Great Salt Lake and surrounding wetlands, habitats, birds, the food chain and the important roles they each play in our environment. Program includes an easy nature walk to view and identify birds and other cool things in nature. (Bring your own merit badge cards with the application portion signed by your unit leader). Meet at the Davis County Legacy Events Center and follow guide to nearby site. Limit 30 youth. Own Vehicles. Cost $5 (leaders free) |
| Artists, Vendors, Food & Crafts 10pm – 6pm |
OPEN: Make & Take Crafts, Youth Activities Vendor Booths Food |
| Youth Activity 10am – 4pm |
Youth Activities: Fun and Educational Too! 
Kathi Stopher & Katie McVey, Bear River Migratory Bird RefugeShore to Shore passport!!! Flock to the Great Salt Lake Bird Festival on Saturday and you will get to enjoy a lot of fun youth activities and take-home items. |
| #37 11am – 1pm |
Butterflies and Birds Alan Myrup This is the field trip that follows the workshop on Butterflies for Beginners. The field trip will go part way up Farmington Canyon to look at butterflies and birds. Meet at the Davis County Legacy Events Center.. Limit 15. Own Vehicles. Cost $13 |
| #38 1pm – 4pm |
Burrowing Owl Field Trip Bonnie Messinger This trip will go to Antelope Island State Park to look for Burrowing Owls. Bring water and a snack. Meet at the Davis County Legacy Events Center. Limit 15. Vans. Cost $25 |
| #39 1pm – 4pm |
Farmington Bay "Behind-the-Gates" (Turpin Unit) Rich Hansen Farmington Bay WMA is a great resource for migrating and nesting birds. Several hundred thousand birds utilize this area during spring migration and 57 nesting species have been documented. The majority of dikes, ponds, canals, and upland areas are off-limits to the public during nesting season so this "behind-the-gates" tour is a privilege. Meet at the Davis County Legacy Events Center. Limit 54. Bus. Cost $25 |
| #40 1pm – 5pm |
Bike & Bird – Legacy Parkway Trail Eric McCulley Leave your car behind and bicycle from the Davis County Legacy Events Center to the Legacy Parkway Scenic Byway Trail System for a leisurely afternoon tour. It is a beautiful 20-mile round-trip ride south to the 500 South exit of the Legacy Parkway in Bountiful. Participants will learn about the local and international significance of Great Salt Lake, as you watch for migratory birds along the way. Meet at the Davis County Legacy Events Center. Limit 20. Bring Your Own Bicycle. Cost $20 |
