For many, the word migration brings to mind songbirds, whose welcome melodies are a reminder that spring has arrived. That welcome chirping you hear in April and May may be a neotropical migrant, or songbirds that live in South and Central America in the winter and head north in the spring.
“They are very bright and sing so you can hear them,” says Terri Pope, a wildlife conservation biologist for the UDWR who specializes in non-game birds and mammals. She notes that in general, “Most migration occurs in the spring and fall when wildlife is moving between breeding areas and wintering areas. Timing varies by species, but many birds start to return in April and May.”
The stretch of Provo River between the Jordanelle Reservoir and Deer Creek reservoir is an important bird area designated by the National Audubon Society. “There are a lot of riparian bird species that come back each year, like vireos, warblers, sparrows, tanagers, and swallows,” Terri explains.
Some migrating birds, like rough-legged hawks and Oregon juncos, settle in Utah for the winter. “There are also irruptive species that only arrive in winter in Utah in some years, likely when there is worse weather or lack of food resources further north,” Terri says.
All migratory species — from elk to warblers — face the same dire threat: habitat loss. David is adamant that we “start valuing open space and open land.”
Terri echoes his concern. “The biggest interference humans cause is the loss of habitat. … Humans continue to develop areas that used to provide breeding areas or migratory stopover sites, leaving them degraded or uninhabitable for wildlife.”
With help from the Utah Wildlife Migration Initiative, state biologists are enacting solutions, often using GPS collars to track the migratory paths of animals. “In my opinion, Utah is the leader in this technology and research,” says David. “We know so much more about wildlife patterns because of these collars than we ever would have.”
The patterns show where animal migration corridors intersect roads, which determines where wildlife crossings are needed. The state has over 60 wildlife crossings, including a wildlife bridge over Interstate 80 at Parley’s Summit. A video on the UDWR’s Facebook page shows mule deer, moose, coyote, bobcat, cougar, bear, squirrels, chipmunks, porcupines, raccoons, and marmots utilizing the crossing.
“The I-80 wildlife overpass has been amazing,” David states. “I never thought we would see such a diverse array of wildlife use it.”
Going forward, there is still much to be done when it comes to preserving Utah’s biological diversity and protecting its migratory animals. “As the state continues to grow, critical habitats and migration routes will need protection from development and human disturbance,” David warns. “Setting aside open spaces and reducing human disturbance will become extremely important in years to come.”