2012 Great Salt Lake Bird Festival Program

Photo by: Deedee O'Brien. HawkWatch International

Home Depot Bird House Project

= Field Trips

= Workshops and Presentations Field trip after workshop

= Fun for KIDS

Thurs, May17 » Fri, May18 » Sat, May19 » Sun, May20 » Mon, May21 »

SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012
#22 6am – 12pm	Antelope Island: Causeway & Garr Ranch Jeff Bilsky Bird a popular migrant trap at Fielding Garr Ranch on Antelope Island. 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
#23 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
#24 7am – 12pm	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 include 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 Davis County Legacy Events Center Limit 10. Vans. Cost $33
#25 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
#26 8am – 12pm	Mammals on the Mountain Tops Jolene Rose, Steve Bates Join the Wildlife team from Antelope Island on a unique behind-the-gates tour to locate some of the more elusive mammals of Antelope Island: Californa Bighorn Sheep. along the way look for Bison, Pronghorn, Coyote and dozens of different birds. Participants will meet at the Fielding Garr Ranch at 8 am to pile into two park vehicles for a bumpy ride up to the top of the saddle, then hike about one half mile to an area where the sheep can often be found. Bring binoculars and spotting scopes it you have them, as the sheep won't let us get too close. Give your ticket as park entry fee. Limit 10. Own Vehicles. Cost $13
Workshop 8am – 9am	Birding for Families Bill Fenimore You will learn how to look at a bird so that you can later identify and put a name to it when referring to your field guide. The workshop will help you recognize the topography of a bird's habitat, its size, plumage characteristics, and differences in breeding, mature, immature, and winter plumages. Workshop is designed to be user-friendly and will be especially geared toward families who would like to bird together. Will include photographs illustrating the concepts presented. Tickets required for Field Trip #29 at 9 am.
#27 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
Workshop 9 - 10am	Ferruginous Hawks Brent Houskeeper The Ferruginous Hawk is on average our largest Buteo with some females approaching five pounds and a 60 inch wingspread. Males are much smaller, sometimes with a greater difference between male and female than other Buteo hawks. When motivated this bird is the fastest flying Buteo and has rather shallow swift wing beats, is an expert flyer and soarer, yet spends more time on the ground or a low perch watching for prey than other Buteos. Other interesting information about this beautiful bird will be discussed along with a video/slide presentation.
Workshop 9 - 10am	Great Salt Lake Birds of a Feather Feast Together Jaimi Butler, Westminster College Come meet what the birds of GSL eat, up-close and personal! We will take you on a culinary tour (from the bird's perspective of course) of some of the creepier critters that provide sustenance for the millions of birds that migrate to GSL each year. We will learn about the multitudes of bring flies, the garganuan orbweaver spiders, as well as the endearing brine shrimp. Come learn, observe and possibly even shake hands with some of the Great Salt Lake's charismatic macrofauna.
#28 9am – 12pm	Burrowing Owls Field Trip Boyd White & Nacole Wilson This is the field trip that follows the 8 am workshop. You will get to see Burrowing Owl sites at Antelope Island State Park. Limit 10. Vans. Cost $18
#29 9am – 12pm	Farmington Bay WMA "Behind-the-Gates" (Units 1 & 2) Greg Miller, Kyle Stone & John Bellmon This is the field trip that follows the 8 am Birding for Families 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
Artists, Vendors, Food & Crafts 10pm – 6pm	Make & Take Crafts, Youth Activities Vendor Booths OPEN Food
Youth Activity 10am – 4pm	Family and Youth Activities Kathi Stopher & Katie McVey, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Fly a Mile in a Bird’s Feathers!!! Flock to the Great Salt Lake Bird Festival on Saturday and you will get to make and enjoy a lot of fun youth activities and take-home items.
Workshop 10am – 11am	Mammals of Antelope Island Wendy Wilson Antelope Island contains many wonders, from history and geology, to the many fresh water springs that support an abundance of life. This workshop will talk about the variety of mammals on the Island and how they survive. This will be a fun, hands-on presentation appropriate for audiences old and young.
Workshop 10am – 11am	Up Close With Golden Eagles Ben Woodruff, SkyMasters This is an in depth look at Utah's most powerful predator in the sky. Learn little known facts about golden eagles and dispel centuries old falsehoods that are still told today. this workshop will cover everything from species conservation to proper aging techniques. Learn what plumage abnormalities are specific to the Northern Utah area. Find out why golden eagles thrive in certain areas and are completely absent in others. This program will feature live eagles as well as a PowerPoint program. Good for all ages but geared to give extensive information to serious birders.
Workshop 10am – 11am	Butterflies for Beginners (Field Trip #32 follows) Alan Myrup Butterflies are Alan's passion. He has taught many people about how exciting butterflies are. This will be a fun and colorful workshop. Workshop is free. Field Trip #32 requires a ticket.
Youth Activity 10am – 12pm	Home Depot, Centerville Bird House Kits, Outdoor booth This is a great activity for youth. Home Depot stays as long as kits are available.
Workshop 10am – 11am	Photographs with Impact Doug Sims Doug will teach how to go beyond the normal snapshot and create images with impact.
Workshop 10am – 11am	Butterflies for Beginners (Field Trip Follows) Todd Stout Butterflies are Todd’s passion. He has taught many people about how exciting butterflies are. This will be a fun and colorful workshop. Workshop is free. Field Trip #31 requires a ticket.
#30 10am – 2pm	Boy Scout Merit Badge & Youth Program Robert Mortensen & Todd Turner This audio/visual and experiential program is geared for youth ages 11-17. Learn about 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. Boy Scouts can complete the requirement for the Bird Study Merit Badge (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)
Presentation 11am – 12pm	Live Bird Flight Program Tracy Aviary Birds are amazing, beautiful animals, and what better way to experience their beauty than to see them in flight? Tracy Aviary’s free flight demonstration is an opportunity to see birds doing what they do best while learning about each individual species. After the show, trainers will be available to answer questions about training, Tracy Aviary, and the birds themselves.
Workshop 11am – 12pm	Owls of Utah Bonnie Messinger The large owls of Antelope Island include Great Horned Owl, Long Eared Owl, Short Eared Owl, Barn Owl, and Burrowing Owl. Come learn the natural history of these beautiful birds. See some video with identification tips and discover the best way to watch for them on Antelope Island.
Workshop 11am – 12pm	Can We Save Our Marshes? Invasive Phragmites Control Effort Randy Berger This workshop will include a PowerPoint presentation and discussion on what the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has and is doing to combat invasive Common Reed Phragmites australis.
Workshop 11am - 12pm	Desert Herps of Utah Jason Jones Jason will be talking about herps (reptiles and amphibians) of Utah, with special emphasis on Utah's 'Species of Concern'. He will have a variety of snakes, hopefully some amphibians, and probably a desert tortoise or two to share with you.
#31 11am – 12:30pm	Wetland Discovery Point at Utah Botanical Center Mark Larese-Casanova These poinds are a waterfowl haven and provide great close up views of pelicans, kingfisher, grebes, and ducks. Trees near the Botanical Center invite warblers, vireos, and woodpeckers. The field trip will also include a tour of the Wetland Discovery Point education building. Learn all about a functioning wetland and discover multiple uses of wetlands, ecosystems and sustainable design in wetlands, landscapes and buildings. Meet at the Botanical Center 920 S. 50 W. Kaysville. Directions: From I-15 take exit #328 in Kaysville. Go east to traffic light at Main St. Turn right (south). Turn right at light on 350 South. Turn left at stop sign on 50 West. Limit 12. Own Vehicles. Cost $10
#32 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
Presentation 11am – 2pm	Live Birds Utah's Hogle Zoo Utah's Hogle Zoo will present trained birds and delight the audience.
Workshop 12pm -1pm	Utah's Stiff-tailed duck, the Ruddy Duck - Festival Spotlight Bird Jason Jones We will cover a little about the life history and management of waterfowl in the North American flyways. And we will highlight the life history, biology, behavior, and identification of stiff-tailed ducks focusing specifically on the Ruddy Duck.
Workshop 12pm - 1 pm	Reptiles Found Along the Wasatch Front Jason L. Jones Jason will be talking about herps (reptiles and amphibians) of Utah, with special emphasis on Utah's 'Species of Concern'. He will highlight herps from the Mojave and Great Basin deserts, Colorado Plateau and Colorado/Green River Basin, and the Wasatch Front. He will have a variety of snakes, hopefully some amphibians, and probably a desert tortoise or two to share with you.
#33 1pm – 4pm	Burrowing Owl Field Trip Bonnie Messinger This is the field trip that follows the 11 am workshop. 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 $18
Workshop 1pm – 2pm	How To's & 10 Tips for Great Wildlife Photography Doug Sims, Photographix Camera Club Doug will teach how to go beyond the normal snapshot and to create images with impact.
Workshop 1pm – 2pm	I'm a Kid and I'm a Birder Ivan Richardson, age 8 Come with your family and learn some fun interesting facts about birds and how to make your bird watching a fun experience. We will also assist the Cornell Lab of Ornithology with their research as we participate in observing and reporting the different types of birds you identify. Ivan is bringing his family also!
Workshop 1pm -2pm	Falcon Identification Ben Woodruff, SkyMasters Ben will share many non-traditional and little known identification tips. Live raptors will be displayed in this program as well as digitally displayed images.
Workshop 12pm – 1pm	Birds on the Edge: A Look at Threatened and Endangered Birds in Utah Ogden Nature Center Did you know that Utah has over 40 species of endangered plants and animals? some of these animals include our local and beautiful birds. Join the Ogden Nature Center and learn more about Utah's threatened birds with the help of the resident bald eagle and short-eared owl. We will discuss past and current threats to our local birds and identify ways that we can help.
#34 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
#35 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 (includes Festival t-shirt)
Workshop 2pm – 3pm	Our National Symbol- The American Bald Eagle Ogden Nature Center Did you know that the bald eagle had to compete with the turkey to become our national symbol? It's true! Join us for a special program with the Ogden Nature Center's own bald eagle Des Ta Te. Come learn about these special birds, how they overcame near extinction, and discover how they became our national symbol.
Workshop 2pm – 3pm	When Birds of a Feather MURDER together Dr. Frank Howe One crow by itself is nothing to worry about, but a group of crows is a MURDER! And a groups of their larger cousins, the ravens, while not so sinister is known as UNKINDNESS. Do you know bird group names and how the names originated? For example can you guess why a group of Mourning Doves might be called a PITYING? Can you guess which species these bird group names belong to: herd, fling, charm, host? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Dr. Frank Howe investigates some of the beautiful, mysterious, and perplexing collective nouns ascribed to birds. If you are a serious bird nerd or a serious word ners, this is the group you want to be in (and that would be a HERD of nerds).
Workshop 2pm - 3pm	Live Bird Flight Program Tracy Aviary Utah's Tracy Aviary will present birds in flight. This will be a great opportunity for youth and adults to experience flight from a bird's point of view.
Workshop 2pm – 3pm	Hawks, Falcons, and Owls Wildlife Rehabilitation Center We will discuss the differences in hunting techniques, adaptations, habitats, and the challenges they face. There will also be live raptors for this presentation.
Workshop 3pm – 4pm	Raptor Rapture Jen Hajj, HawkWatch International What makes a Raptor Bird different from other kinds of birds? Find out in this short program designed especially for families. Staff and volunteers from HawkWatch International will take you into the world of birds of prey by looking at beaks, feet, and feathers. We'll sing songs about these amazing birds, and then meet some raptor birds up close!
Workshop 3pm – 4pm	Urban Bird Treaty Dr. John Cavitt & Dr. Brian Barber The Urban Conservation Treaty for Migratory Birds (Urban Bird Treaty) program was created by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to help municipal governments conserve birds that live, nest or migrate through their cities. In 2011 Ogden, Utah was selected as one of only 19 cities to receive the distinction as an Urban Bird Treaty City. This workshop will describe the Urban Bird Treaty program and provide information on what this means to Ogden, to Utah and how you can get involved locally.
Workshop 3pm – 4pm	Who are Utah's Raptors? Ben Woodruff, SkyMasters This is a fantastic look at Utah's diurnal raptors. All species will be covered. Fine-tuned ID 'tricks of the trade' will be shared on how to differentiate species. specific details will be shared on where to find rare species such as the 'common' black hawk, gyr falcon, and red shouldered hawk. Numerous live species will be present supplemented with a PowerPoint presentation. This workshop is great for all birders from beginners to experts.
#36 3pm – 5pm	Kaysville Ponds MarJean Muhlstein Kaysville Ponds offer a wonderful shelter and good food sources for waterfowl and small birds. Meet at Davis County Legacy Events Center and follow guide to site. Limit 20. Own Vehicles. Cost $12
Workshop 4pm – 5pm	Great Salt Lake: A Study of Residents' Perspectives and Concerns Dr. Carla Koons Trentelman Dr. Trentelman from Weber State University presents recent research findings on the perspectives and concerns about Great Salt Lake held by the lake's nearest neighbors- residents of communities in western Davis and Weber Counties.
Workshop 4pm – 5pm	Where in the World is Your Bird? eBird 101 Jon Watkins Learn the basics of eBird, built and maintained by Cornell's Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. Jon will cover a simple yet revolutionary way to manage your sightings and discuss how your submitted checklists make a difference to bird science and conservation. He will also show you some of the fun and interactive ways to navigate eBird data, whether by species or region, gaps in your checklists, rarities, etc. You will be an eBird pro by the time the workshop is over.
Workshop 4pm - 5pm	Live Bird Flight Show Tracy Aviary Utah's Tracy Aviary will present birds in flight. This will be a great opportunity for youth and adults to experience flight from a bird's point of view.
Keynote Address & Dinner 6 pm	Keynote Speaker Greg Miller and Dutch oven dinner. This is one of the most fun times of the Festival - good food, good company, great speaker. Vegetarian meals available. Cost $27

2012 Great Salt Lake Bird Festival Program

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