Above: Phalarope migration by Tim Avery
Northern Utah and the Mountain West’s most wanted
July 11 to 16, 2023
(optional Himalayan Snowcock extension July 17 to 18)
This trip is now full. Please join the wait list below. We will contact you if a space opens and will collect your payment at that time.
(optional Himalayan Snowcock extension July 17 to 18)
This trip is now full. Please join the wait list below. We will contact you if a space opens and will collect your payment at that time.
Cassia Crossbill by Tim Avery
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Flammulated Owl by Tim Avery
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Georgia Audubon Host: Melanie Furr, Director of Education
Local Guide: Tim Avery, Pitta Tours
Group Size: Minimum group size of 6 / Maximum group size of 11 (a 2nd guide and van will be added with a group size of 9+ confirmed)
Member Price: $3,625*
Non-member Price: $3,675* (includes a one-year Georgia Audubon membership)
Single Supplement: +$600
Optional Himalayan Snowcock Extension (July 17 to 18): +$1,260* (member and non-member price)
Extension Group Size: Minimum group size of 6 (first come, first served) / Maximum group size of 11 (a 2nd van and guide will be added with a group size of 9+ confirmed)
Extension Single Supplement: +$300
*Based on double occupancy
Group Size Note: At least nine trip participants are necessary to hire the 2nd guide and van. If the trip is full and you are interested in registering, please add your name to the waitlist at no charge. We will open registration for up to 11 participants (and a second van/guide) once we reach nine people.
Lodging Note: Depending on group construction, single travelers may be asked to pay a single supplement if we are unable to pair you with another guest. All efforts will be made to pair individuals to avoid this expense, though it cannot be guaranteed. Impacted travelers, should they decide to cancel, will be reimbursed following the cancellation policy below.
The mountain west of the United States provides some of the most breathtaking scenery our country has to offer. Desert, sagebrush, mountains, and lakes are all within a short distance of one another. This diversity of habitats in such close proximity to one another results in this region being a birding paradise that is a must visit for any birdwatcher. In addition to its general avian wealth, the hotspots of northern Utah and the neighboring states are home to some of the most wanted birds in the U.S., and during the late summer, it provides visual spectacles of fall migration. Nowhere will this be more obvious than at the Great Salt Lake, the largest saline lake in the Western Hemisphere.
For this trip, Georgia Audubon will be collaborating with Pitta Tours to offer a true sampling of the birds of this special region. We will have great chances to see one of the most desired owls on the planet in the Flammulated Owl. Time will be spent chasing the Cassia Crossbill, a unique finch that is restricted solely to southern Idaho and was recognized as a new species in 2017. Other noteworthy birds that can be found in this area with some regularity include Black Swift, Black Rosy-Finch, a pair of interesting game birds (Chukar and Gray Partridge), and so many more. In addition to the rarity hunting, we will spend time enjoying amazing avian behavior like the flocking of thousands upon thousands of Wilson’s and Red-necked Phalaropes along the Antelope Island Causeway. These clouds of shorebirds are almost hard to comprehend and will be joined by what would normally seem like large amounts of other species like American Avocet, Franklins Gull, Eared Grebe, Long-billed Curlew, and more.
Finally, we are also offering a two-day extension. This short add-on will have the group entering Nevada in search of one of the tougher birds to find in the U.S. The Himalayan Snowcock is famous from its appearance in The Big Year and for the historic need of a helicopter to find this bird. While we will not fly to look for these chunky birds first introduced to the United States in the 1960s, we will need to rise early and put in some steps to access the mountainous habitat that these birds prefer. While our goal is to spot these unique birds, we will also find other exciting birds like Clark’s Nutcracker and Townsend’s Solitaire.
This Mountain West adventure will surely be a trip to remember. Well over a hundred species will be seen in addition to mountain views, seas of sagebrush, rocky waterfalls, and high deserts. There will be good chances for a diversity of mammals including bison, pronghorn, mule deer, moose, and more. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see loads of birds and experience spectacular landscapes.
Local Guide: Tim Avery, Pitta Tours
Group Size: Minimum group size of 6 / Maximum group size of 11 (a 2nd guide and van will be added with a group size of 9+ confirmed)
Member Price: $3,625*
Non-member Price: $3,675* (includes a one-year Georgia Audubon membership)
Single Supplement: +$600
Optional Himalayan Snowcock Extension (July 17 to 18): +$1,260* (member and non-member price)
Extension Group Size: Minimum group size of 6 (first come, first served) / Maximum group size of 11 (a 2nd van and guide will be added with a group size of 9+ confirmed)
Extension Single Supplement: +$300
*Based on double occupancy
Group Size Note: At least nine trip participants are necessary to hire the 2nd guide and van. If the trip is full and you are interested in registering, please add your name to the waitlist at no charge. We will open registration for up to 11 participants (and a second van/guide) once we reach nine people.
Lodging Note: Depending on group construction, single travelers may be asked to pay a single supplement if we are unable to pair you with another guest. All efforts will be made to pair individuals to avoid this expense, though it cannot be guaranteed. Impacted travelers, should they decide to cancel, will be reimbursed following the cancellation policy below.
The mountain west of the United States provides some of the most breathtaking scenery our country has to offer. Desert, sagebrush, mountains, and lakes are all within a short distance of one another. This diversity of habitats in such close proximity to one another results in this region being a birding paradise that is a must visit for any birdwatcher. In addition to its general avian wealth, the hotspots of northern Utah and the neighboring states are home to some of the most wanted birds in the U.S., and during the late summer, it provides visual spectacles of fall migration. Nowhere will this be more obvious than at the Great Salt Lake, the largest saline lake in the Western Hemisphere.
For this trip, Georgia Audubon will be collaborating with Pitta Tours to offer a true sampling of the birds of this special region. We will have great chances to see one of the most desired owls on the planet in the Flammulated Owl. Time will be spent chasing the Cassia Crossbill, a unique finch that is restricted solely to southern Idaho and was recognized as a new species in 2017. Other noteworthy birds that can be found in this area with some regularity include Black Swift, Black Rosy-Finch, a pair of interesting game birds (Chukar and Gray Partridge), and so many more. In addition to the rarity hunting, we will spend time enjoying amazing avian behavior like the flocking of thousands upon thousands of Wilson’s and Red-necked Phalaropes along the Antelope Island Causeway. These clouds of shorebirds are almost hard to comprehend and will be joined by what would normally seem like large amounts of other species like American Avocet, Franklins Gull, Eared Grebe, Long-billed Curlew, and more.
Finally, we are also offering a two-day extension. This short add-on will have the group entering Nevada in search of one of the tougher birds to find in the U.S. The Himalayan Snowcock is famous from its appearance in The Big Year and for the historic need of a helicopter to find this bird. While we will not fly to look for these chunky birds first introduced to the United States in the 1960s, we will need to rise early and put in some steps to access the mountainous habitat that these birds prefer. While our goal is to spot these unique birds, we will also find other exciting birds like Clark’s Nutcracker and Townsend’s Solitaire.
This Mountain West adventure will surely be a trip to remember. Well over a hundred species will be seen in addition to mountain views, seas of sagebrush, rocky waterfalls, and high deserts. There will be good chances for a diversity of mammals including bison, pronghorn, mule deer, moose, and more. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see loads of birds and experience spectacular landscapes.
Contact Melanie Furr by email with any questions.
Please Note: Credit card processing fees are now included in the registration price.
Please Note: Credit card processing fees are now included in the registration price.
trip overview
Click on each day for more information.
Day 1: arrive in salt lake city / Black Swifts and Flammulated Owls
Participants should arrive in Utah no later than 4:00 PM. We will start with some light birding along the foothills of Salt Lake City. Visiting a nearby canyon, a catered BBQ dinner will be served at a reserved picnic site here so we can enjoy the outdoors while we eat. In the canyon we’ll look for Swainson's Thrush, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Western Tanager, and Lazuli Bunting.
After, we will spend the last hour of daylight watching the skies for Black Swift, a difficult to get species. During our swift vigil we’ll likely encounter White-throated Swift, Violet-Green Swallow, and perhaps Golden Eagle. Once the swifts have disappeared for the night we’ll shift our focus to nocturnal birds and visit a nearby forest to look for Flammulated Owl and Common Poorwill.
Night in Cottonwood Heights
After, we will spend the last hour of daylight watching the skies for Black Swift, a difficult to get species. During our swift vigil we’ll likely encounter White-throated Swift, Violet-Green Swallow, and perhaps Golden Eagle. Once the swifts have disappeared for the night we’ll shift our focus to nocturnal birds and visit a nearby forest to look for Flammulated Owl and Common Poorwill.
Night in Cottonwood Heights
Day 2: mountain heights
This morning we’ll do a loop through the mountains of northeast Utah, and possibly the plains of southwest Wyoming. At the edge of the Uinta Mountains we’ll try to track down Bobolink, Savannah Sparrow, Wilson's Snipe, and Sandhill Crane before we start heading higher in the mountains.
A morning break at a campground along the Provo River should produce things like American Dipper, Yellow Warbler, Hammond's Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, Fox Sparrow, Western Tanager, and a variety of common aspen species here. As we continue our journey up in elevation our focus here will be to find Canada Jay, Pine Grosbeak, American Three-toed Woodpecker, as well as things like Red Crossbill, Mountain Chickadee, and Mountain Bluebird.
Drought and high temperatures may limit our birding this afternoon with time off to rest. In the evening we’ll set out to find Western Screech-Owl.
Night in Cottonwood Heights
A morning break at a campground along the Provo River should produce things like American Dipper, Yellow Warbler, Hammond's Flycatcher, Willow Flycatcher, Fox Sparrow, Western Tanager, and a variety of common aspen species here. As we continue our journey up in elevation our focus here will be to find Canada Jay, Pine Grosbeak, American Three-toed Woodpecker, as well as things like Red Crossbill, Mountain Chickadee, and Mountain Bluebird.
Drought and high temperatures may limit our birding this afternoon with time off to rest. In the evening we’ll set out to find Western Screech-Owl.
Night in Cottonwood Heights
Day 3: sage and Juniper specialists
This morning we will leave the hotel between 5:30-6:00 AM for a one-hour drive to the west desert outside of Salt Lake City, where we’ll visit a juniper woodland to look for the following specialty birds like Gray Vireo, Gray Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Juniper Titmouse, Bushtit, Bewick's Wren, and Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay.
In the nearby shrub-steppe we should be able to track down Brewer's, Sagebrush, and Black-throated Sparrows, as well as Sage Thrasher, Horned Lark, and Western Meadowlark. Spending a little time at lower elevations, we’ll try to track down some birds of prey like Swainson's Hawk, Golden Eagle, and Ferruginous Hawk.
We’ll wrap up our morning with lunch, before traveling 4 hours north to Twin Falls, Idaho, for the night. We may do some light birding around town in the evening.
Night in Twin Falls
In the nearby shrub-steppe we should be able to track down Brewer's, Sagebrush, and Black-throated Sparrows, as well as Sage Thrasher, Horned Lark, and Western Meadowlark. Spending a little time at lower elevations, we’ll try to track down some birds of prey like Swainson's Hawk, Golden Eagle, and Ferruginous Hawk.
We’ll wrap up our morning with lunch, before traveling 4 hours north to Twin Falls, Idaho, for the night. We may do some light birding around town in the evening.
Night in Twin Falls
Day 4: cassia crossbill and more
We will spend the morning around Twin Falls working on tracking down Gray Partidge, Barn Owl, and Burrowing Owl. After a few hours in the agricultural areas, we will head into the South Hills to look for Cassia Crossbill. First described in 2009 and formally recognized as a species in 2017, the endemic Cassia Crossbill is the newest American bird species and only found in the remote mountains of southern Idaho. Lunch today will be a field lunch and include a variety of meats, cheeses, crackers fruits, nuts, and more!
While birding we will hopefully track down a few other local specialties like Lewis's Woodpecker and Calliope Hummingbird. Other birds we might encounter include Western Tanager, Hammond's Flycatcher, Lazuli Bunting, Cassin's Finch, Rufous Hummingbird, and Red-naped Sapsucker.
By late afternoon we will return to the hotel, taking a break for the rest of the day. Tonight will be our backup for Flammulated Owl in the South Hills.
Night in Twin Falls
While birding we will hopefully track down a few other local specialties like Lewis's Woodpecker and Calliope Hummingbird. Other birds we might encounter include Western Tanager, Hammond's Flycatcher, Lazuli Bunting, Cassin's Finch, Rufous Hummingbird, and Red-naped Sapsucker.
By late afternoon we will return to the hotel, taking a break for the rest of the day. Tonight will be our backup for Flammulated Owl in the South Hills.
Night in Twin Falls
Day 5: gray partridge and phalarope migration
This morning is our backup for Gray Partridge. We’ll also visit a local park to look for Canyon Wren, Rock Wren, Lazuli Bunting, Yellow-breasted Chat, and any other songbirds that might still be active.
We will eventually start making our way back into Utah, and after an early dinner, we’ll visit the Great Salt Lake at sunset and watch the masses of Wilson's Phalarope and Red-necked Phalarope swirl in the evening light. American Avocets and Franklin's, California, and Ring-billed Gulls will be present in good numbers. Things like Snowy Plover, Long-billed Curlew, Willet, and other shorebirds may also be in the mix.
Night in Layton
We will eventually start making our way back into Utah, and after an early dinner, we’ll visit the Great Salt Lake at sunset and watch the masses of Wilson's Phalarope and Red-necked Phalarope swirl in the evening light. American Avocets and Franklin's, California, and Ring-billed Gulls will be present in good numbers. Things like Snowy Plover, Long-billed Curlew, Willet, and other shorebirds may also be in the mix.
Night in Layton
Day 6: great salt lake environs
We’ll return to the Great Salt Lake this morning at sunrise in an attempt to track down the elusive Chukar. Other possibilities this morning include Rock Wren, Northern Mockingbird, Sage Thrasher, Loggerhead Shrike, Great Horned Owl, and Burrowing Owl.
Visiting another local wetland, we will try to clean up the waterbirds we need for the week. Things like Neotropic Cormorant, Common Yellowthroat, Ruddy Duck, Greater Yellowlegs, and Snowy Egret are possible.
We’ll wrap up the main part of our tour with lunch at Utah’s famous Red Iguana before dropping those who are departing after the main tour off at nearby hotels or the airport. Those staying for the Snowcock extension will head to Nevada.
End of Main Tour
Visiting another local wetland, we will try to clean up the waterbirds we need for the week. Things like Neotropic Cormorant, Common Yellowthroat, Ruddy Duck, Greater Yellowlegs, and Snowy Egret are possible.
We’ll wrap up the main part of our tour with lunch at Utah’s famous Red Iguana before dropping those who are departing after the main tour off at nearby hotels or the airport. Those staying for the Snowcock extension will head to Nevada.
End of Main Tour
optional extension overview
For those interested in seeing Himilayan Snowcock, we’re offering a two-night extension, leaving Salt Lake City by 3:00 PM and driving the 3.5 hours west to Elko, Nevada. On the way, we'll visit the famous Bonneville Salt Flats before crossing into Nevada. We'll try to stop at a few ponds along the way, as you never know what might show up in the desert in July. Arriving in Elko we'll grab dinner before going over the plan for the following day and turning in early to get a little rest.
day 7: hiking for the snowcock
Needing to beat sunrise to see the Himilayan Snowcock, we leave the confines of our hotel around 3:30 AM to drive 45-minutes to the trailhead for a 90-120 minute hike in the dark. The trail goes up around 1,000 feet on switchbacks, making it not overly strenuous, but often the altitude makes it a slower walk. Once we reach our viewing location, we'll attempt to see the snowcock as they emerge from their rocky beds to descend on the grass-covered slopes below to feed. If all goes well we should have the birds and be mostly wrapped up by 9:00 AM. Other possibilities up here include Black Rosy-Finch, Clark's Nutcracker, and Golden Eagle. We will make our way back down the trail, birding on the way. We may still find Green-tailed Towhee, Dusky Flycatcher, and Macgillivray's Warbler. We'll head back to town for a delicious lunch and afternoon off to rest after the early morning. As evening approaches we'll visit some local ponds and a nearby reservoir to see what migrant waterbirds are around before having a special dinner in town.
Night in Elko, NV
Night in Elko, NV
Day 8: snowcock back-up day
Today is the emergency backup for Snowcock. If for some reason we missed it on the previous day, this morning's itinerary will match yesterday. If we were successful the previous day, this morning will be spent visiting the same water holes around town, spending a little more time trying to find anything unusual. Eventually we will head back towards Salt Lake City, dropping everyone off at the airport or nearby hotels by 4:00 PM.
End of Extension
End of Extension
Number of bird species expected: 125-150
additional details
Price Includes:
Also Included in the Snowcock Extension:
Price does not include:
Payment Plan:
Participants may pay in full by choosing the Georgia Audubon Member or Non-Member price. For those who wish to pay in two installments, we will accept a $500 down-payment at the time of registration (or $550 down-payment for non-members). Payment in full will be due by March 11, 2023. The single supplement(s) and Himalayan Snowcock extension will also be billed at this time if either of those options were selected.
COVID-19 Considerations & Vaccination Requirements:
Until further notice, all participants in the Georgia Audubon Travel Program must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and have had at least one booster at the time of their travel date. Georgia Audubon will verify participants' vaccination status at least two weeks prior to the travel dates. Participants will also be expected to adhere to all local travel guidelines and restrictions at the destination at the time of travel. If you are unable or unwilling to comply with the COVID-19 travel precautions, please do not register for this event at this time. We will provide updates to organizational, airline, and national COVID-19 guidelines as they arise.
Cancellation Policy:
If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by March 11, 2023, a refund of all payments (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees) made will be given. If notice of cancellation is received between March 11 and April 11, 2023, a 50% refund of the tour fee will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees). Thereafter, all deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees). In the event of tour cancellation due to weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other unforeseen emergency situation, a 100% refund will be given, less any expenses incurred by the tour operator.
Travel Insurance:
We recommend purchasing travel insurance in case you must make an unforeseen trip cancellation past our refund period. Check with your own insurance carrier or consider a travel insurance specialist.
Terms and Conditions:
Please review the Georgia Audubon Travel Program Terms and Conditions prior to registration.
- Main tour: Five nights accommodations at nice, major hotel brands
- All Ground Transportation roundtrip from Salt Lake City International Airport
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on Day 6 (Breakfasts will often be boxed, or at the hotel; other meals will be picnics or at restaurants)
- Entry fees to all state parks, recreation areas, migratory bird areas, forests, etc.
- Reusable custom water bottles for each participant, with access to water for the entire tour
- Professional guiding services, including use of a scope, audio/speaker, spotlight, field guides
- Tour booklet and checklist
- Tour t-shirt and other goodies
Also Included in the Snowcock Extension:
- Two nights accommodations at best available hotel in Elko (Probably Hampton Inn)
- Roundtrip ground transportation from Salt Lake City
- All meals from dinner on Day 6 through lunch on Day 8
- Entry fees to all state parks, recreation areas, migratory bird areas, forests, etc.
- Guide service, including use of a scope, audio and speaker, spotlight, field guides
- Tour booklet and checklist (day by day itinerary and complete checklist including ssp.)
Price does not include:
- Airfare and any accompanying baggage fees
- Alcohol or specialty beverages
- Snacks, room service, or sightseeing not specified in itinerary
- Souvenirs
- Laundry
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Medical costs
- Gratuities
- Personal communications
- Any other incidentals that participants may wish to purchase
Payment Plan:
Participants may pay in full by choosing the Georgia Audubon Member or Non-Member price. For those who wish to pay in two installments, we will accept a $500 down-payment at the time of registration (or $550 down-payment for non-members). Payment in full will be due by March 11, 2023. The single supplement(s) and Himalayan Snowcock extension will also be billed at this time if either of those options were selected.
COVID-19 Considerations & Vaccination Requirements:
Until further notice, all participants in the Georgia Audubon Travel Program must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and have had at least one booster at the time of their travel date. Georgia Audubon will verify participants' vaccination status at least two weeks prior to the travel dates. Participants will also be expected to adhere to all local travel guidelines and restrictions at the destination at the time of travel. If you are unable or unwilling to comply with the COVID-19 travel precautions, please do not register for this event at this time. We will provide updates to organizational, airline, and national COVID-19 guidelines as they arise.
Cancellation Policy:
If notice of cancellation by the participant is received by March 11, 2023, a refund of all payments (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees) made will be given. If notice of cancellation is received between March 11 and April 11, 2023, a 50% refund of the tour fee will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees). Thereafter, all deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the space(s) can be filled, in which case a refund will be given (less a $50 administrative fee and all credit card fees). In the event of tour cancellation due to weather, strike, war, quarantine, or other unforeseen emergency situation, a 100% refund will be given, less any expenses incurred by the tour operator.
Travel Insurance:
We recommend purchasing travel insurance in case you must make an unforeseen trip cancellation past our refund period. Check with your own insurance carrier or consider a travel insurance specialist.
Terms and Conditions:
Please review the Georgia Audubon Travel Program Terms and Conditions prior to registration.
American Dipper by Adam Betuel
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Eared Grebe by Adam Betuel
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Himalayan Snowcock by Tim Avery
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