The self-guided challenge offers six different “slams,” each designed to encourage participants to spot, identify, and appreciate Utah’s diverse bird species. From casual backyard birders to seasoned enthusiasts, there’s a challenge level for everyone.

“Utah has a very active bird-watching community, and birders thrive on competitions and seeking out new species and places to go,” said Tonya Kieffer-Selby, DWR Northeastern Region Outreach Manager. “I have been a birder since I was 9 years old and am hopeful that this new initiative will get more people engaged in bird-watching and help them gain a new appreciation for these remarkable species.”

The Utah Birding Slam was originally envisioned by Billy Fenimore, a respected member of Utah’s birding community and former DWR employee. The new program is being launched in his memory, carrying on his legacy of inspiring others to enjoy birding.

How it works

Participants register for the slam of their choice at the DWR website. Each slam costs $20 for adults and $10 for youth under 18. Funds raised support wildlife conservation projects in Utah, including habitat improvements and research efforts that track bird migrations.

Birders will need to create a free eBird account, where they can submit their sightings to meet the requirements for their chosen slam. Once a slam is completed, participants earn a collectible bird pin.

The six birding slam categories

• Beginner Slam – Submit one checklist to eBird with at least one bird sighting.
• Backyard Slam – Identify 10 bird species within a 5-mile radius of home and submit five checklists.
• County Slam – Find and identify 14 bird species in five different counties.
• Wetland Slam – Identify at least 30 wetland bird species listed on the slam website.
• Ultimate Slam – Identify at least 30 species from a master list.
• High-elevation Slam – Identify 30 bird species found above 7,000 feet in elevation.

Beyond adding fun to birding, the program also benefits science. “This data is crucial for conservation and management efforts,” Kieffer-Selby explained. “The money raised will also help with ongoing research. Some slams even include species listed in Utah’s Wildlife Action Plan as species of greatest conservation need.”

The Utah Birding Slam joins other popular challenges offered by the DWR, including the Utah Cutthroat Slam, eight Upland Game Slams, and 10 Waterfowl Slams.

Birders can also learn more about the program at the Utah State Fair, where DWR will showcase the slam from Sept. 4-14.

For details and to register, visit wildlife.utah.gov.