GSLI: Shorebird Research

Great Salt Lake is one of the most important shorebird habitats in the world, annually hosting around 10 million birds from 339 species. From tiny Snowy Plovers to vast flocks of Wilson’s Phalaropes and millions of Eared Grebes, the lake is a lifeline for species that migrate from both ends of the hemisphere. As a Globally Important Bird Area, it plays a vital role in sustaining bird populations on a continental scale. At Westminster's Great Salt Lake Institute (GSLI), we engage undergraduate researchers in hands-on science to better understand and protect these incredible birds. Building on past projects such as monitoring American White Pelicans at Gunnison Island, we are now excited to look ahead: partnering with Tracy Aviary to band and tag shorebirds and working toward installing a Motus Tower on campus to track their migrations. With your support, we can continue training the next generation of scientists while advancing conservation for the millions of shorebirds that depend on Great Salt Lake.