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South Salt Lake Journal

Ski & Snowboard News / It's all about birds at Alta in February

Feb 04, 2019 12:13PM ● By Harriet Wallis

Binoculars help you spot the birds/ photo: Harriet Wallis


You can participate in three bird/birding events this month.

Help count birds while you ski. Build a bird feeder to take home. Watch a hilarious Steve Martin comedy about birding at Brewvies.

Monday, Feb 11 / Do a bird survey on skis

Ski with bird experts from Tracy Aviary and search for feathered friends that live at Alta.

It can be a pretty exciting morning. Last year when we stopped by a quiet grove of trees, there were no birds in sight. But when the Tracy bird expert gave a certain whistle, the branches erupted with activity. Birds fluttered up then settled onto different branches making it easier for birders to locate them. Bring binoculars for maximum enjoyment.

Pre-registration is necessary. The program meets at the bottom of Collins Lift and runs from 9:00 am - noon. All participants must be at least 12 years old and able to ski intermediate groomed runs.

If you miss this session, the program continues on the second Monday of each month: March 11, April 8, and also on Earth Day which is April 20. Programs are sponsored by Tracy Aviary, Alta Environmental Center, and Friends of Alta.


Saturday Feb. 16 / Build a Bird Feeder Workshop

Build a wooden bird feeder and attract many kinds of birds to your yard. No experience needed. The wood will be pre-cut and tools to assemble the feeders will be provided. Have fun and learn about birds at the same time. Conservation scientists will tell about the work they are doing to protect Utah’s natural environments, what you can do to help, and how to be a citizen scientist.

Click here to register Registration closes Feb. 8. Workshop is $20. Space is limited to 30. Workshop runs from 5 - 8 p.m. at Our Lady of Snows -- across the road from Alta Ski Area in the Town of Alta. Sponsored by Alta Community Enrichment.


Thursday, Feb 21, 7 p.m. / Steve Martin comedy film fundraiser at Brevies

100% of the proceeds benefit the the Alta Bird Monitoring Program.

It's a wacky film about a bird-spotting competition. In the film The Big Year, two bird enthusiasts try to defeat the cocky world bird-spotting record holder in a year-long spotting competition. The movie stars Steve Martin, Owen Wilson, and Jack Black. The director is also known for The Devil Wears Prada and Marley & Me.

Click here for tickets. You must be 21 or older.. Tickets are $10.

The evening also includes a drawing and prizes. Sponsored by .Tracy Aviary, Alta Ski Area  Alta Environmental Center, and Friends of Alta.