Friends of Tracy Aviary

Light pollution is a global and rapidly expanding environmental issue that threatens human health, natural ecosystems, and millions of migrating birds. Tracy Aviary is implementing a strategic campaign to decrease light pollution in Salt Lake County, Utah, and we continue to seek funding to expand this program in the by implementing a series of citizen science programs, creating educational materials and events, and working with city, county, and local organizations.

Lowland riparian habitat is considered one of the most important habitat types for Utah's birds (Gardner et al. 1999); riparian areas are used by 75% of Utah's bird species, and can have up to fourteen times the density of birds in upland habitat (Howe 1992, Knoft et al. 1998). In 2013, recognizing the great regional importance of the Jordan River as bird habitat, Tracy Aviary began implementing a number of citizen science bird monitoring studies at strategic sites along the river. With the goal of engaging the public while collecting information about the birds and their habitats, we chose study sites where our data could inform management practices and restoration activities.

Since 2011, Tracy Aviary has implemented a range of citizen science projects which involve a diverse community of people in conservation work and increase knowledge about local birds and habitats. We focus our research efforts on identified local, national, and international conservation priorities. For example, we conduct annual breeding bird surveys in sites along the Jordan River to better understand how birds use these urban riparian areas and to provide information to land managers about non-native plant species management. Other projects include a Broad-tailed hummingbird monitoring study, a survey at Alta Ski Area, breeding bird surveys at numerous city parks, and a series of “Migration Moonwatches” to survey birds migrating at night.

The Virtual Aviary arose as a result of the COVID-19 crisis; we needed a way to connect with our audience and share our mission even with our doors closed. However, as we slowly move back to our standard way of operations, we wish to continue this project as we recognize the Virtual Aviary enables us to better serve audiences with disabilities and low socioeconomic families.
The Virtual Aviary exists on our social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube) as well as on our website (tracyaviary.org). It consists of behind the scenes videos with our bird care staff, at home education activities for families to do together, coloring pages, beginning birding tutorials, garden tours, and more.