Bird festival takes wing in Davis

The 8th Annual Great Salt Lake Bird Festival is an opportunity for people to learn more about the birds of Utah. The event will be May 18-23 in Farmington.

Among other things, those attending will be able to go with guides and experience some of the unique bird-watching places in northern Utah.

A number of events are scheduled, including bus and van field trips that will explore several "Behind the Gates" areas where the public cannot go.

"We are offering 66 field trips this year. You can go birding by horseback, kayak, boat, bus and van. All of our trips are first class. One of my favorites is the Birds and Geology bus trip to Antelope Island State Park," said Neka Roundy, festival chair.

Along with a large number of free events, tickets are available for a wide variety of other birding experiences. Among the activities will be free workshops at the Davis County FairPark in Farmington on May 19 and 20.

"There will be workshops on a variety of topics, vendors with optics and landscaping ideas, artists and good food. This is really exciting for people to see a variety of products," said Bill Fenimore, owner of the Wild Bird Center in Layton.

One of the highlights of the festival will be the appearance of Arthur Morris, a wildlife photographer and writer. Morris has been published in many prominent birding and outdoor magazines, including National Geographic and Audubon.

There will be two free workshops on May 20: "Putting Art in Your Nature Photography" at 10 a.m. and "Why Digital" at 1 p.m. at the FairPark. Arthur will also be the keynote speaker at the festival's Dutch oven dinner at 6 p.m. on May 20.

Home Depot is providing bird feeders for youths to construct on May 20 at 10 a.m. This is in addition to many youth activities and crafts offered at the festival. A special workshop on the eared grebe will be at noon on the May 20.

Field trips are offered each day. Workshops, booths and activities at the Davis County FairPark are May 19 and 20.

Free workshops at Davis County FairPark

May 19

Noon — Acting Up: Bird Behavior with Dr. John Cavitt

1 p.m. — Digiscoping with Jack Bean and Clay Taylor

3 p.m. — Birds of Prey program by Tracy Aviary