Data collected in Alta area helps scientists better understand elusive bird species

ALTA — A study partially conducted in Alta helped researchers get a better understanding of the migratory behavior of the elusive black rosy-finch, one of the country’s least studied bird species. 

During the study, scientists examined hydrogen isotopes in the feathers of 38 individual birds. They also analyzed data collected by RFID-enabled bird feeders that were installed in and around Alta Ski Area in 2019. 

According to Alta Environmental Center, one feeder was placed at the top of Collins Lift. Another was placed outside the city of Alta’s office, and a third was installed outside of a private home. 

Data collection ended this winter. Officials said that 11,000 visits from the species were recorded. 

What did researchers learn about black rosy-finch migration? 

The resulting research paper was published by Avian Conservation & Ecology, a journal dedicated to bird ecology. In it, the authors said the birds migrate through the western U.S. to breed, moving an average of 428 kilometers, or approximately 266 miles, between destinations. 

Researchers said the feathers were used to understand the migration patterns of birds that were in Utah when they weren’t breeding. 

According to Western Field Ornithologists, breeding season for the black rosy-finch is between June and Aug. 

Although the species is found in Utah year-round, individual birds found in the state during breeding season weren’t necessarily the same birds found outside that period. The birds that were wintering in Utah likely migrated to other areas to breed. 

For example, the research authors said one finch was found and tagged in Gunnison, Colorado in Feb. 2019. The same bird was then spotted again in the Wind River Range of Wyoming in May 2022. 

Studying the feathers also led researchers to believe those individuals were born in central Idaho, southwestern Montana, western Wyoming and Utah’s Uinta mountains.

Researchers make conservation recommendations

The species is one of conservation concern.

Alta officials explained that the bird’s struggle is linked to global warming, which is impacting their habitat in high alpine environments.

The U.S. Forest Service defines alpine ecosystems as those sitting above a mountain’s tree line, however, they may sit below the boundary as well. 

Researchers recommended collaboration between states and agencies, ensuring protection across their habitat region. 

Additionally, the authors said habitat protection and management are necessary. During non-breeding season, they said land managers should take actions to restore seed-producing vegetation and protect winter roosting sites. 

“During the breeding season, priority actions are responding to tree line advancement in the alpine, ceasing trout stocking in alpine lakes, and restoring important seed bearing plants in the alpine,” the researchers wrote. 

Alta Ski Area’s involvement in bird monitoring

Two gray-crowned rosy-finch subspecies are regularly found in Alta, the gray-crowned rosy-finch and the Hepburn’s rosy-finch. Each of the subspecies is characterized by rosy hues in their feathers. 

Alta’s website explained they can be identified by the details on their head. A gray-crowned sports a smaller band, which follows it’s eyes.  A Hepburn’s crown is bigger, covering its cheek area. 

“Thanks to contributions from Alta Ski Patrol, community skiers and citizen scientists, researchers are closer than ever to understanding the species’ migration and breeding patterns—a significant milestone for this ongoing project,” wrote Alta Environmental Center on its website. 

Alta has been working with the Tracy Aviary since 2015 to engage in bird population monitoring. The environmental center hosts monthly bird surveys, which are led by aviary conservation biologists. People that participate help identify and record different species through sight and sound.

When there isn’t snow on the slopes, Alta visitors can participate in birding hikes. In the winter, they can observe Little Cottonwood Canyon’s avian wildlife through the Birding on Skis program. 

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