Winter Birdwatching

When the snow starts to fly in Park City and the Wasatch Back, many assume birds have all migrated south- but winter is a fun and rewarding time to birdwatch, and many species call the area home all year. Crisp quiet air, tracks in the snow, and clear visibility make winter a great time to spot species that thrive in colder months.  

Local lakes and reservoirs, forests, and wetlands like Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter offer prime viewing areas. Hardy residents like black-capped chickadees and red-breasted nuthatches flit between snow-dusted pines in the forests surrounding Park City. You may also glimpse downy woodpeckers and northern flickers tapping on tree trunks. Along open fields, keep an eye out for perching or soaring Northern Harriers and Red-tailed Hawks scanning for prey. Areas of open water, like at Rockport Reservoir, are great spots to spot waterfowl like Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, as well as many species of gulls. East Canyon Creek, running on the north side of Swaner Preserve, can be a great location to spot American Dippers or Belted Kingfishers. 

Winter is the best time to spot eagles in Utah- Golden and Bald Eagles come south from their northern ranges and can be seen perching on leafless cottonwoods and power poles around the area. They will start building large nests high in trees in late winter. 

The snow-covered landscape also lends itself to wildlife and bird tracking, as tracks in the snow tell a story of what has occurred there. On the Swaner Preserve, wing marks in the snow appear where a mouse trail ends, or bird footprints can be seen going every which way. Heading out with a naturalist on a Saturday Morning Nature Walk can get you out onto the Preserve on snowshoes to find (and make your own!) tracks in the snow. Borrow a pair of binoculars from the EcoCenter and scan the Preserve from the observation tower to spot birds and other wildlife. 

When winter birding, bring a pair of binoculars, dress in layers, and move slowly—birds are more likely to reveal themselves when you’re quiet and still. A small notebook or birding app, such as Merlin Bird ID or eBird, can help track your sightings. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious beginner, the peaceful pastime of birding offers a quest way to connect with the landscape and its wildlife. 

Other Naturalist News

Loss of Beaver Population Next to Swaner EcoCenter

Between March 23 and April 2, five dead beavers were discovered near the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter by Swaner staff. All five beavers shared one lodge outside the EcoCenter, and samples collected from one of the beavers tested positive for tularemia.

Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter Welcomes New Executive Director

We are thrilled to announce our new executive director, Lewis Kogan. Learn more about his impressive career and excitement to join the organization.

What To Do If You Find a Baby Bird

It’s spring, which means baby animals of all kinds are starting to appear! Learn what to do if you find a baby bird during this time of year.

Amazing Butterflies

If you enjoy summer days hiking in the local mountains or sitting among the flowers in a nearby garden, you have undoubtedly observed butterflies flitting from flower to flower or gliding on updrafts overhead. These small fragile creatures have withstood

American Wetlands Month

Did you know that May is American Wetlands Month? It's the perfect time to celebrate the amazing wetlands right here in the Wasatch Back! Wetlands are one of the most important—and rare—ecosystems in Utah. In fact, less than 1% of our entire state is cons

Clever Creatures: How Local Wildlife Prepares for Winter

All around us, wildlife here on the Wasatch Back are making remarkable adjustments to survive the cold months ahead. Some tuck themselves away in a kind of suspended animation, while others stay active, transforming their behavior to endure freezing tempe

Become a Community Scientist

Towards the end of April, you have a unique opportunity to become a part of something big – the City Nature Challenge! In Park City, this event is a collaboration between Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter and Basin Recreation, and it's all about observing and d

How Stars and Nature Guide Us Through Change

Places like the Swaner Preserve have become increasingly rare. Behind a shopping plaza with diverse restaurants, boutiques, and condos, there lies a 1,200-acre piece of permanently protected open space. It starkly contrasts the life around its border—a sl

DIY Snow Gauge

Although winter can be cold and dark, it is also a great season to explore and engage with nature in new ways! A fun and easy way to do this is by building your own snow gauge! With a paint stirrer and a few materials, you can measure snowfall and connect

Wanted: Invasive Weeds

It's weed season, Park City! Help our native ecosystem by tackling invasive weeds in your area, or joining in one of Swaner's upcoming volunteer events!

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