Brighton Bird Count

Great Salt Lake Audubon has hosted the Brighton Bird Count every year since 1937. In the early days of the BBC, Audubon members camped Friday evening at the Redman Campground, birded Saturday morning, and enjoyed a potluck in the afternoon at Leon Stanley’s Brighton cabin.

This year we meet on July 8 at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon near Silver Lake. Birders arrive at 7:30 AM and can select one of three birding options:

• Silver Lake (easy walk)
• Lake Solitude (moderate hike)
• Twin Lakes (more strenuous hike)

Team leaders guide the group to count species seen, as well as the number of individual birds. If you are lucky, you might see a Western Wood-pewee on her nest, or a Three-toed Woodpecker at her cavity.
Birders gather at 11:30 AM for a potluck lunch at an area picnic table. Please bring a dish to share (an appetizer, salad, main dish, or dessert), your own plate and eating utensils, and GSLA will provide cold drinks. Team leaders report the birds seen by their group.

Since 1968 (the earliest data we have) the number of species seen has varied from a low of 25 reported in 1968 to a high of 57 species in 2004. The numbers of individuals has also fluctuated with the most recent high count being 674 in 2008. Some of the ups and downs of bird numbers can be attributed to the number of birders who participate, birder skill level, as well as the inconsistency of the earlier bird data. Birders of all skill levels are encouraged to join us. This is an opportunity for novice birders to learn from more experienced birders.

Contact Jeanne Le Ber (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 801.230.4373) if you are interested in attending or have questions.