The Numbers Are In!

In August 2023, over 100 volunteers and biologists counted 295,088 shorebirds across Utah! This work would not be possible without the enthusiasm and support of our volunteers. Thank you!


Shorebirds represent important species diversity and are indicators of environmental health.

The Intermountain West is an oasis for our migratory shorebirds. A comprehensive shorebird survey was last completed across the region in 1989-1995, but much has changed in the past 25 years. This Shorebird Survey is replicating the census of the past so we can better manage shorebirds into the future.

The goal of the Intermountain West Shorebird Survey are to sustain shorebird populations. The survey objectives are:

  • Document the distribution and abundance of shorebirds at 189 sites during the spring and fall migrations for 3 years.

  • Use survey data to compare distribution and abundance with the historical shorebird survey from 1989-1995.

  • Identify factors that influence abundance of shorebirds.

We are recruiting volunteers to survey sites across Great Salt Lake, Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, Utah Lake, and the Amalga Barrens Sanctuary. Survey teams are comprised of professional biologists and volunteer birdwatchers.

We cannot accomplish our conservation goals without your generous donation of time and expertise. Thank you!


What to Expect

  • Shorebird Surveyors should meet the following requirements. If you can’t, let us pair you with a team!

    1. Have a passion for birds and time outdoors!

    2. Commit to one survey day in the spring and one survey day in the fall, and allow some flexibility for scheduling around bad weather.

    3. Consider committing to multiple years of the project.

    4. Have reliable vehicle transportation.

    5. Have their own binoculars and spotting scope.

    6. Attend an annual online training and learn how to follow a detailed survey protocol.

    7. Be safety conscience and cooperate with field partners.

    8. Collect high quality data in the field.

    9. Navigate to and around their survey area using GPS and maps.

    10. Identify shorebirds in breeding and non-breeding plumage.

    11. Enter bird counts into a database using a computer.

What We’ll Do: Count shorebirds at sites across Utah. Each group has a team leader and will cover one site.

What to Wear: Appropriate clothing for the weather conditions, sun protection, muck boots or shoes that can get wet, and sunglasses.

What to Bring: Snacks/lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray.

Questions? Contact Project Coordinator Emm Clark.

Support shorebirds at Great Salt Lake and other wildlife in the West by donating today.

At a Glance

Signups: Sign-ups for the 2024 Spring Survey are now closed. Surveyors should have received a confirmation email with site & team details. If you did not receive a confirmation and would like to participate, please reach out to Project Coordinator, Emm Clark.


Survey Date: Friday, April 26, 2024. In the event of inclement weather, Saturday, April 27, 2024 is held for our backup date.

Training Required: Please find the virtual training video as well as additional volunteer resources below.

Age: Volunteers under 18 years old require a guardian’s signature and those under 15 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Commitment Level: A virtual training and a day-long project outdoors.

Requirements: Work will be in and around wet areas, requiring walking over uneven surfaces (please contact us if you have questions about accessibility and potential accommodations). Also required is an ability or willingness to learn how to identify shorebirds by sight.

Contact: Contact Project Coordinator Emm Clark.



Important Stories

Read our recent blog post about why this work is important to a tiny bird that spins across the lake to get its food.

A Little Spinning Bird and the Wider World of Great Salt Lake Conservation

Red-necked phalarope photo ©Dorian Anderson