ZACC 2024 FIELD TRIPS
We are excited to offer two pre-conference field trips and one post-conference field trip for ZACC 2024. Please see below for more information. Participants must be registered for the conference to attend a field trip.
Visit Tracy Aviary's Nature Center at Pia Okwai, the Motus research station, and float the Jordan River (pre-conference)
The Jordan River runs from Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake wetlands. It is a migratory corridor for birds and vital habitat for local fish and mammals. Tracy Aviary’s Nature Center at Pia Okwai highlights the importance of the river corridor and the habitat that it provides. It is also home to a Motus station, part of a collaborative research network tracking wildlife movement for conservation. Come explore the Nature Center and learn more about this new technology and how it is changing how we understand avian migration. Then, get on the river with us as we float a portion in canoes, cleaning the habitat as we go.
Transport, boats, PFDs, and all tools provided.
Please wear sturdy closed-toed shoes and clothing that you do not mind getting wet and dirty.
Date: Monday, 13 May @ 9am – 2pm
Photo by Tori Bird, UHZ
Antelope Island (pre-conference)
Join us for our pre-conference field trip to Antelope Island for a day of bird watching and a stunning view of the lake and island scenery. We will be listening to a ranger talk about the local wildlife and visiting Fielding Garr Ranch, where we will have some amazing birding opportunities for species such as the barn owl, great horned owl, American kestrel, and more. The island is home to other species as well, like the American bison and pronghorn antelope, so bring your camera!
Lunch and transportation included in cost.
Please bring sturdy hiking shoes (and binoculars if desired).
Date: Monday, May 13 @ 8am – 2:30pm
Photo by Davis County Tourism & Events
Alta Birding Trip (post-conference)
Join Tracy Aviary for our post-conference field trip to beautiful Alta Ski Area in Little Cottonwood Canyon for a day of birding in the mountains. We will explore Alta to see many high-elevation birds, including golden eagles, mountain bluebirds, western tanagers, mountain chickadees, and more! We may also come across some of Alta’s famous mammals: moose, marmots, and the Uinta ground squirrel. During the trip, we’ll stop by several nest boxes that are being monitored by Tracy Aviary’s Conservation Science Program. Using cameras on a painters pole, we’ll check nests and see how the eggs and chicks are doing.
Lunch and transportation included in cost.
Please bring sturdy hiking shoes (and binoculars if desired).
Date: Saturday, May 18 @ 11:30am – 3:30pm
Photo by Alta Ski Resort