As you are skiing, hiking, or biking through Little Cottonwood Canyon, you will probably encounter some of our spectacular local wildlife. Among this wildlife are hundreds of species of birds that frequent the canyon, making it a birding hotspot in Utah. Grab your binoculars and head out on the trails, or embark on a guided birding tour with Tracy Aviary and help with their monthly bird surveys. Whether you are an avid bird-watcher or are looking for a fun educational experience for the kids, birdwatching is a perfect activity to add to your vacation itinerary.
Reserve a vacation home with Canyon Services and stay close to the activities available at Alta Ski Area and Snowbird Resort:
Birdwatching in Alta, Utah
The unique mountainous ecosystem of Alta creates fantastic birdwatching conditions. Several bird feeders are placed across the mountain so that you can spot a wide variety of bird species throughout the seasons. Find these feeders nestled among the trees in the Sunnyside, Sugarloaf, and Collins areas, and look for these species:
- Mountain Chickadee
- Brown Creeper
- Steller’s Jay
- Clark’s Nutcracker
- Hairy Woodpecker
- Downy Woodpecker
- Pine Siskin
- Pine Grosbeak
- Red-breasted Nuthatch
- Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch
- Black Rosy-Finch
- Red Crossbill
- Cassin’s Finch
- Dusky Grouse
- Northern Pygmy Owl
- Golden Eagle
Bird Watching Tours
Sign up for one of the monthly bird surveys with a conservation biologist from Tracy Aviary and learn how to identify local birds by sight and sound. These tours are the perfect way to help conservation efforts and connect with other bird lovers. In the wintertime, they offer Birding on Skis tours, and in the summertime, they offer Birding Hikes. Learn more about the Bird Survey Project and the importance of monitoring bird populations in the Alta area.
Birdwatching Tips
- Bring binoculars to get a closer look at the birds.
- Purchase a field guide or download the Merlin Bird ID app to help you identify birds.
- Be patient and move slowly.
- Follow the American Birding Association’s code of ethics to help promote respectful birdwatching.
Little Cottonwood Canyon Vacation Rentals
Discover the wildlife of Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon during your vacation with Canyon Services. Set out on a mountain hike in the summertime or ski down the slopes while watching birds in the Alta Ski Area. At the end of the day, our Alta Snowbird vacation homes offer the perfect place to relax and unwind just minutes from the action. Book with us online or contact us at 888-546-5707 for assistance in finding the right property for your group!