Birdwatching gains popularity among Millennials and Generation Z in Utah

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(ABC4) — Birdwatching is experiencing an unexpected resurgence among Millennials and Gen Z since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Tracy Aviary.

In an interview with KTVX, Director of Conservation at Tracy Aviary Angie Trumbo said, “When a lot of us were stuck at home and we could only really go and do socially distanced things, young folks found that time to go outside and start exploring, and birding’s such an easy way to go out and do that.”

*Recent birding program at Tracy Aviary’s Nature Center at Pia Okwai, courtesy: Tracy Aviary*

Social media also offers an entertaining entry point for birding, with “avian influencers” taking off in popularity as well, according to a press release from Tracy Aviary. Some examples of these online birders include Nick Lund and Christa Rolls.

This interest in birding among young people has led to increased volunteering with Tracy Aviary and activism, helping conservation efforts. Trumbo explained:

The more people that get out and start noticing the spaces that are around them and connecting with those and the birds that are utilizing them, the more it really helps connect you and makes you aware of the impacts that our daily actions have, so I think it really leads to a change in behavior and really builds some connections between people and the birds that they share their environment with.”

Angie Trumbo, Director of Conservation at Tracy Aviary

Utah has a large variety of wild birds, making it a great place for birding. Migratory birds are drawn to the Great Salt Lake, Utah is between the Pacific and Central Flyways, and many birds come to Utah to breed in the summer, according to Trumbo.

“No matter what time of year you’re out birding, you’ll be able to see some really great species,” she said.

The aviary hosts weekly bird walks on Wednesdays at the Tracy Aviary at Liberty Park and on Fridays at their Nature Center at Pia Okwai. Trumbo said those walks are an easy, entry-level way to start birding.

The 27th annual Great Salt Lake Bird Festival is taking place May 15-18, which hosts interactive field trips, family day on Saturday, May 17, and a vendor fair.