A hummingbird at the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter. Photo: TownLift // Kevin Cody.

UTAH — With fall migrations underway, bird-watchers across Utah have a new way to test their skills. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has launched the Utah Birding Slam, a self-guided challenge designed to encourage birders of all levels to explore new habitats, sharpen their identification skills, and contribute to conservation efforts.

The program offers six different “slams,” each with specific requirements and varying difficulties. Beginners can start by submitting a single birding checklist, while more advanced birders might take on the High-elevation Slam, which requires identifying 30 species found above 7,000 feet, or the County Slam, which challenges participants to spot 14 species in five different counties.

“Utah has a very active bird-watching community, and birders thrive on competitions and seeking out new species and places to go,” said DWR Northeastern Region Outreach Manager Tonya Kieffer-Selby. “This new initiative will get more people engaged in bird-watching and help them gain a new appreciation for these remarkable species.”

Birding in Park City

With Park City itself sitting at almost 7,000 ft, the High-elevation Slam might be a great option for birders looking to stay local. Swaner Preserve and Ecocenter also provides a great spot to complete the Wetland Slam without traveling to the valley.

For those looking to participate close to home, Park City offers several productive birding spots, especially during fall migration:

Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter: Known for wetlands species such as sandhill cranes, sora, and marsh wrens.
Round Valley: A good location for raptors, sparrows, and high-elevation species.
Quinn’s Junction Trailhead: Open spaces attract kestrels, meadowlarks, and other grassland birds.
McLeod Creek Trail: Riparian habitat makes this a reliable place for warblers, woodpeckers, and migrating songbirds.

Continuing a legacy

The idea for the Birding Slam came from Billy Fenimore, a beloved member of Utah’s birding community and a former DWR employee. “This competition helps carry on his visionary birding legacy,” Kieffer-Selby said.

In addition to helping residents connect with nature and wildlife, the slam provides valuable data for wildlife managers. “This data is crucial for conservation and management efforts,” Kieffer-Selby said. “And the money raised will also help with ongoing research for these birds.”

The DWR will share more information about the Utah Birding Slam at its exhibit during the Utah State Fair, running Sept. 4–14.