New Water Brings New Birds

The Great Salt Lake is well known as a superb bird habitat. Now, thanks to an anonymous donation of more than 1,300 acres along the lake’s southern shore as well as many other acreage purchases, the Edward L. and Charles F. Gillmor Audubon Sanctuary at the South Shore Preserve will provide even more habitat for resident and migratory birds. According to a story from the Deseret News, the new sanctuary was opened by releasing water flow into a centuries-old dry channel of the Jordan River. Within minutes, a Wilson’s phalarope – a type of large sandpiper – was feeding along the newly filled channel.

The new sanctuary encompasses a total of 2,700 acres of wetland and upland habitat and has been in the planning stages for more than a decade. Many organizations, including the National Audubon Society, Ducks Unlimited and Rio Tinto Kennecott Utah Copper contributed to the project, giving birders and nature lovers the chance to see not only Wilson’s phalaropes, but many other types of shorebirds, waterfowl and wildlife in a beautifully restored setting.

Note: There is currently no public access to the sanctuary, but private tours may be possible. For more information, visit Audubon in Utah.

Wilson's Phalarope
Photo © Dominic Sherony