4,000 bird-watchers may flock to Davis

Thousands of bird lovers will brave the expected wet weather as they start several days of bird-watching treks today through northern Utah.

Old or young, obsessed or slightly interested, they will be searching for birds to add to a "life list." That's a tally of birds seen in a lifetime.

Other birders are expected to attend dozens of workshops held at the Davis County FairPark in Farmington. The reason for all this attention to Utah's avian population: The seventh annual Great Salt Lake Bird Festival.

For the past year, volunteers have been preparing for the festival. It is one of Davis County's largest tourist attractions, adding about $160,000 to the county economy last year.

This year is expected to bring more money and more birders, said Neka Roundy with Davis County tourism. At least 4,000 birders from across the country are expected to attend.

"We've always had a quality project," she said. "Programming has been excellent and remained excellent. It's tied to the tourism trend, and people are feeling better about traveling, feeling better about being here — about us."

Seven years ago, the bird festival had a zero-dollar budget and little recognition. It was three days long, and former Gov. Mike Leavitt was the keynote speaker. This year, birder and humorist Al Batt will be the keynote speaker.

Bill Fenimore, an expert birder and owner of the Layton Wild Bird Center, will lead today's trip to Deseret Ranch, where over 260 species of bird can be seen. The goal is to show people how managed habitat can be a draw for birds, he said.

On Saturday, Fenimore will teach four "Birds & Blooms" workshops to explain what vegetation is best for attracting birds into back yards.

"I've been a birder ever since I've been a kid," said Fenimore. "When I decided to retire from my professional career, my wife and I talked about what I was going to do. I wanted to retire, but while I'm still young, do things that give back to the community. What would be better than showing my love of birds and how interesting it is as a hobby?"

One out of five Americans is a bird-watcher, according to a 2001 report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It's the nation's fastest-growing hobby and the second most popular. Gardening is first.

Birders also spent $32 billion in 2001 for travel, food and gear. More than 863,000 jobs were supported by that output. Because of the Great Salt Lake — part of the Western Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve Network — people from around the world recognize Utah as a prime bird-watching destination.

Susan Bird, who joined a recent bird walk led by Fenimore, said the appeal of watching birds in Utah or anywhere else is simple.

"There are so many different varieties," she said, "and I think as you get to know the name of the bird and a little about it, it kind of endears you to them."

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E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com