Pelican Encounter

Birds & Brew

Birds of Utah Class

through Sunday, January 6 

Tracy Aviary’s Conservation Science Program is offering a 6-month class on the birds of Utah. The instructor, Bryant Olsen, is one of the most well-respected bird authorities in the region. Bryant has been birding for over twenty years, and was the recipient of the 2017 Utah Birder of the Year Award. Class participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the many bird species present in Utah. Bryant will teach about when and where to find each species, import identification tips to differentiate between birds, their ecological roles and behaviors, and the evolutionary relationships between species. This class is designed for intermediate to advanced birders who want to increase their birding skill and gain a better understanding of bird identification and ecology. Some basic understanding of birds is assumed.

Weekly indoor sessions will take place on Thursday evening from 6pm-8pm at Tracy Aviary. During these sessions, Bryant will cover a group of similar birds that are in the area at that time. The following Sunday morning, Bryant will lead a field trip to look for the species covered that week, as the best teachers are the birds themselves. Sunday field trip times will vary depending on destination, time of sunrise, and weather, but participants should expect early mornings. Travel to field trip destinations may be provided by the Aviary via our passenger van.

 

Classes and field trips will take place every Thursday and Sunday from August 17, 2023 to January 11, 2024.

Space is limited to 20 participants for the in-person class. Tuition is $200 per person for the entire 19-week series. 

$50 Unlimited online registration. Join at any time and recieve access to all the recorded classes, field trips not included.

 

Online Admission

For admission please use the main entrance on the North side of Aviary at the Visitor's Center. There are no reserved times, this ticket is valid for entry from 9 am to 4pm. 

Last admission at 4pm.

 *To receive your member discount please sign in the upper right corner

*Tickets may be rescheduled for another day

 Our first priority is ensuring the safety of our guests and staff, so we ask for your help with the following safety precautions:
      • Please stay home if you are feeling ill or exhibiting any symptoms of a contagious illness.
      • We request families to stay together while enjoying our grounds. Small children should be closely supervised.
      • Due to ongoing Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), some bird exhibits and encounters may be impacted. Please call the Admission desk at 801-596-8500 for current information.
 

 

Flamingo Experience

Carnivore Connections

Field Trips

We are proud to host schools, community groups, and other organizations for self-guided visits to Tracy Aviary year round. With nine acres and more than 100 species of birds, there is plenty to explore! 

To reserve your field trip, follow these steps:

  1. Enter "1" in Field Trip Reservation Quantity (no matter how many people you're planning to bring) then click Add to Cart. 
  2. Fill in the Registration Information as completely as possible, then click Add to Cart again.
  3. Fill in your Billing Information, then click Checkout. YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED FOR YOU FIELD TRIP YET.
  4. Finish the Checkout process, then relax! We will send you a trip balance after we confirm your reservation (this normally takes about a week).

Please email CarolinaC@tracyaviary.org if you have any questions!

 

LP Guided Field Trips

We are proud to host schools, community groups, and other organizations for guided group tours to Tracy Aviary year round on Monday and Wednesday mornings. With nine acres and more than 100 species of birds, there is plenty to explore! 

To reserve your field trip, follow these steps:

  1. Enter "1" in Field Trip Reservation Quantity (no matter how many people you're planning to bring) then click Add to Cart. 
  2. Fill in the Registration Information as completely as possible, then click Add to Cart again.
  3. Fill in your Billing Information, then click Checkout. YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED FOR YOU FIELD TRIP YET.
  4. Finish the Checkout process, then relax! We will send you a trip balance after we confirm your reservation (this normally takes about a week).

Please email CarolinaC@tracyaviary.org if you have any questions!

Conservation Field Trips

Join us for an all-inclusive week-long birding trip to the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. This trip is limited to 8 participants. Experience the staggering bird diversity of sub-tropical South Texas, catch Mexican rarities attracted to the region, and enjoy northbound migrant shorebirds, raptors, and passerines passing through the area.

Prices:

Single (you would like your own room) $ 3,000 

Pair (you are coming with a partner, or willing to share a room with another trip participant) $2,700

 

Trip Dates:

Begins at X:XX AM on April 1, 2024 in San Antonio

Ends at X:XX PM on April 7, 2024 in San Antonio

 

Disclaimer: If we cannot find another trip participant to share a room with you, you will need to pay the singles price.

Kea Experience

Nature and Human Health Events

Are you interested in connecting with nature in a calm and relaxed setting? Join us every 3rd Sunday for a unique experience called Forest Bathing, instructed by Ian Napper, M.Ed.
 
What is it?
Forest Bathing (shinrin-yoku) is an opportunity to slow down, come home to the present moment, commune with Nature, and create spaciousness. This allows for a deepening of our inner and outer awareness and rejuvenation at all levels. Sometimes also called a Mindful Outdoor Experience or Deep Nature Connection.

You can expect light walking and some sitting on the ground. In this hour-and-a-half session groups will be guided with easy invitational practices for mindful movement, mindful breathing, centering, directed awareness, and other experiential practices while we engage with our bodies and the More-Than-Human-World.

Research-backed benefits of a regular Forest Bathing practice include -
  • Boosted mood - reduced anxiety, depression, and loneliness
  • Reduced stress hormones - cortisol returning to the allostatic load baseline
  • Lowered blood pressure - boosts immune function 
  • Reduced attention fatigue - boosts pro-social behavior
  • Improved sleep over time 
Other benefits have been described as: a profound sense of awe and connection to the living Earth, a sense of deep peace and settling of the nervous system, profound gratitude, and a space beyond words.

General Instructions
Rain or shine, we are still connecting with nature! Check the weather before and wear what you want to be comfortable; layering helps. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to park and find the group. We'll meet just outside the gift shop. I'll be wearing an orange beanie or a brown T-shirt.

Every session is custom and unique. Things you may want to bring:
  • Hat/sunglasses
  • Umbrella or rain jacket
  • Journal and pen
  • Warm layer or shawl
  • Your curiosity
Who is Ian Napper?
He is an Army Veteran who decided to figure himself out and walk his own healing journey. Along the way, he has been blessed to learn from and work with many amazing teachers, healers, and therapists.
 
He holds a 200-hour yoga certificate from MBODY Yoga and a Level 1 Mindful Outdoor Guide certification, certified through Kripalu, as well as ANFT registered and Yoga Alliance. Lastly, he is certified in Wilderness First Aid through NOLS and recently graduated with an M.Ed. in Trauma, Resilience, and Restorative Justice.
 
Learn more about Ian at sacredlistening.earth