If you've got an eye for our feathered friends and you're on the hunt for a challenge that benefits wildlife conservation, you might want to flock to Utah this season. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has kicked off a new self-guided bird-watching competition known as the Utah Birding Slam. With six levels of difficulty, from beginner to high-elevation slams, birdwatchers can test their spotting skills while supporting critical conservation and research initiatives.
As the fall migrations soar into Utah skies, Tonya Kieffer-Selby, DWR Northeastern Region Outreach Manager, told Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, "Utah has a very active bird-watching community, and birders thrive on competitions and seeking out new species and places to go." The initiative isn't just for the seasoned birder; it's designed to engage and educate participants of all skill levels by encouraging them to seek out multiple species across Utah's diverse habitats.
To participate in this birding challenge, enthusiasts are required to select their desired slam, ranging from the simple task of spotting one bird and submitting a complete eBird checklist in the Beginner Slam, to identifying 30 species in selected categories for the more difficult slams. Each slam comes with a fee, $20 for adults and $10 for youths, with the proceeds aiding in habitat improvement and tracking migrations through projects like Motus towers and telemetry equipment. After meeting the slam requirements, participants will be recognized with a bird pin, not just a token of success but a symbol of their contribution to avian conservation.
The DWR's concerted effort to blend recreation with research also has a poignant origin. The competition honors a legacy left by Billy Fenimore, a former DWR employee and a steward in the Utah birding community. By collaborating with various conservation organizations, the agency ensures the collected sighting data bolsters conservation plans, as well as educating the public regarding the species outlined in the Utah Wildlife Action Plan as needing the greatest conservation and information gathering efforts. There's also a chance to learn more about the Utah Birding Slam at the DWR building exhibit at the Utah State Fair, happening from Sept. 4-14.
