SALT LAKE CITY — When the group of bird counters gathered Sunday morning for the state's annual Christmas Bird Count wrap-up, the sounds of children's voices added to the excitement.
Tracy Aviary expanded its annual bird counting initiative, part of a nationwide effort, to include families and children to participate in the local conservation effort.
The group met on Sunday at its Nature Center at Pia Okwai along the Jordan River around noon and fanned out for the count. The counting effort began on Dec. 14 and concluded on Sunday.
New this year was a Spanish-speaking guide to encourage increased participation by the Latino community. Those who participated learned about bird conservation efforts and how to collect population data on various native species.
Tracy Aviary has hosted an annual bird count for decades.
Deseret News photojournalist Tess Crowley joined the bird count and shared these images.
