Very little is known about the resilient birds that have adapted to thrive in the harsh conditions of the Wasatch Mountains. From 2015–2019, the Alta Environmental Center collaborated with Tracy Aviary, Friends of Alta and the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies (BCR) to conduct a large-scale Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions (IMBCR) survey. This study was designed to establish a baseline of bird species in Alta and contribute to broader conservation efforts. By collecting long-term data, we have gained critical insights into population trends, habitat use and species diversity—information that helps conservationists, land managers and the Alta community make informed decisions to protect these birds and their habitats.
While the official study has concluded, the Alta Environmental Center and Tracy Aviary continue to collect data by conducting monthly bird surveys year-round. We invite the public to participate in our studies by joining us for our monthly surveys—Birding Hikes in the summer and Birding on Skis in the winter—led by Tracy Aviary's Conservation Biologist and Citizen Scientist. Participants of all experience levels can help document bird species, examine their habitats and learn bird identification skills. All data collected is uploaded to eBird, which aids in tracking population trends and informs conservation efforts within the Alta community.
Why Study Birds?
Birds are strong indicators of ecosystem health. Monitoring their populations helps conservationists track habitat changes, assess species conservation status and predict the effects of environmental shifts. Because birds can be identified by sight and sound, surveys provide a cost-effective and efficient method for studying Alta’s avian community, guiding future conservation priorities. With support from our partners, volunteers and the community, the Bird Monitoring Project aims to achieve the following objectives:
- Create a baseline of bird species present in Alta and the surrounding areas
- Identify species associated with specific habitat types
- Identify priority species, their habitat types and breeding grounds
- Share results with the Alta community
- Implement bird-friendly practices within the ski area to protect and preserve their habitats
Study Methodology
This project, led by Tracy Aviary and BCR, implemented a structured, grid-based survey model based on the IMBCR program—which is a scalable research method for local and regional studies. The survey conducted in Alta covered ten grids, each measuring 1 square kilometer, with 7 to 16 evenly spaced survey points located every 250 meters. Conservation Biologist from Tracy Aviary and trained Citizen Scientist collected data monthly to ensure a consistent and thorough survey process. The findings are recorded in an online database managed by BCR, allowing for further analysis and comparison across different regions.
The Future of Bird Monitoring at Alta
The Alta Bird Monitoring program is a long-term effort aimed at building on existing research through a phased approach.
- Phase I (2014): Mapped survey points and created a preliminary bird list based on incidental observations
- Phase II (2015-2017): Established a formal baseline of bird species through annual surveys conducted with Tracy Aviary's Conservation Biologist and Citizen Scientist
- Phase III (Ongoing): Continue long-term data collection for deeper environmental analysis, tracking species trends and their relationships with specific habitats
What we're tracking
Initial data analysis from Phase II has provided key insights, including:
- Relative bird abundance: Number of individual birds recorded
- Species diversity: Number of different bird species present
- Population density: Number of individuals per hectare for selected species
- Vegetation characteristics at survey points: Dominant plant species
As this project progresses, we look forward to strengthening partnerships with partner organizations and the community, expanding research applications and uncovering new insights into the Alta ecosystem through the lens of our avian friends.
Partners
For more information, please email environment@alta.com