Spring 2025 Survey

Utah's Spring 2025 Shorebird Survey is scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2025 with a weather backup day of May 2, 2025. As part of the Intermountain West Shorebird Survey, our amazing volunteers and biologists survey locations across Utah to document shorebirds on their migratory journeys. Sign-ups are NOW CLOSED. If you registered for the survey, you will be hearing from the Project Coordinator shortly with your team assignment and next steps.

Mark your calendars! The mandatory survey training will take place live via zoom on April 8, 2025 at 7pm (MDT). This will also be recorded and shared with participants if you can’t make the live training.

Shorebirds are a diverse and fascinating group of birds that are most often associated with water. Many shorebird species make epic, long-distance migrations thousands of miles between their breeding grounds as far north as the Arctic Tundra to their nonbreeding grounds as far as southernmost South America and back again each year! Unfortunately, shorebirds in North America are facing some of the steepest population declines of any bird group.

*2025 project sticker, designed by* *Valerie Jar*.

The Intermountain West is an oasis for migratory shorebirds. A comprehensive shorebird survey was last completed across the region in 1989-1995, but much has changed in the past 30 years. Climate change, drought, development, and increasing human use of water have significantly reduced the amount and quality of available habitat and food. The Intermountain West Shorebird Survey is a collaborative effort across 11 states to replicate the census of the past so we can better sustain shorebirds into the future.

The survey objectives are:

Document the distribution and abundance of shorebirds at more than 200 survey sites during the spring and fall migrations from 2022-2026.
Use survey data to compare distribution and abundance with the historical shorebird survey from 1989-1995.
Identify factors that influence the distribution and abundance of shorebirds with the aim to provide management recommendations and conserve critical habitats.

Sageland Collaborative, along with our partners at National Audubon Society, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Utah Division of Natural Resources, Tracy Aviary, Point Blue Conservation Science, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service work together to lead this survey effort in Utah. Each season, we train and recruit volunteers to survey areas 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!

Volunteer Resources

Utah’s Shorebird Survey Materials

Attend the mandatory Volunteer Training (scheduled for April 8, 2025 at 7pm MDT via zoom; recording will be posted)
Complete the Volunteer Waiver in order to participate
Review the Spring 2025 Survey Plan
Review the Spring 2025 Data Form
Utah’s Shorebird Identification Flashcards (en Español)
- Want a free, printed copy of these flashcards? Fill out our interest form!

Shorebird Identification Videos

Shorebird Identification 101 - Red Rock Audubon
Basic Shorebird Identification - Kenn Kaufman
Identification of Shorebirds with a Focus on Calidris - Jon Dunn and Lara Tseng

Additional Shorebird ID Cards & Slides

How to Count Birds

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

Donate Now

042524 - Rudy & North Point Surveys - Sierra Hastings-27.jpg

042524 - Rudy & North Point Surveys - Sierra Hastings-6.jpg

At a Glance

Thank you for your interest in participating in the Utah migratory shorebird survey. Sign-ups are now closed for the Spring 2025 survey.

Stay Current: Sign up for our newsletters and follow along on social media for updates!

Spring 2025 Survey Dates: The big day will be held on Friday April 25, 2025. The backup survey date is May 2, 2025.

Training Required: Participants are required to complete a virtual training session, practice shorebird identification in their own time, as well as review the Survey Plan and Data Form in advance (even if you have participated before).

Age: This survey is for participants 18 years of age or older.

Commitment Level = High: Learn basic shorebird identification on your own, complete a virtual training, review survey materials, and participate in a day-long project outdoors (and commit to a back-up survey date).

Physical Requirements: Work will be in and around wet areas, requiring walking over uneven or muddy 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: Project Coordinator Emm Clark.