Since 2015, we have been studying the birds of Alta to understand their roles in our mountain ecosystem better and to promote bird-friendly practices. You can get involved whether you are an experienced birder or simply curious! Join our monthly bird surveys led by a conservation biologist from Tracy Aviary. During these events, you will help document various bird species and learn how to identify them by sight and sound during our Birding Hikes in the summer and Birding on Skis in the winter. All observations will be uploaded to eBird, contributing to broader efforts to monitor and protect Alta’s avian life.
Monthly Bird Surveys
From 2015-2019, Alta collaborated with Friends of Alta, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies (BCR), and Tracy Aviary 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 a larger conservation effort. By collecting long-term data, we gained critical insights into population trends, habitat use and species diversity—information that helps conservationists, land managers and the Alta community make informed decisions about protecting these birds and their habitats.
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
- Identify species associated with specific habitat types
- Identify priority species, their habitat types, and breeding grounds
- Share results with the Alta community
- Engage and train Alta residents to conduct future surveys
Study Methodology
This project, led by Tracy Aviary and BCR, followed a structured, grid-based survey model from the IMBCR program, a scalable local and regional research method. The survey in Alta covered ten 1-square-kilometer grids with 7 to 16 evenly spaced survey points every 250 meters. Tracy Aviary staff and trained citizen science volunteers collected data to ensure a consistent and thorough survey process. Findings are recorded in an online database managed by BCR for further analysis and comparison across regions.
The Future of Bird Monitoring at Alta
Alta’s bird monitoring 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 and trained Citizen Science volunteers
- 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 individuals 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 continues, we look forward to strengthening partnerships, expanding research applications, and uncovering new insights into the Alta ecosystem through the lens of our avian friends.
For more information on how to get involved, contact us at environment@alta.com.