Enriching the Visitor Experience - Bird Replicas in Zion Visitor Center

Ever wondered how big a California condor’s wingspan is? Or been curious about the Mexican spotted owl? Did you think you saw a great blue heron but are not sure? This project, Enriching the Visitor Experience - Bird Replicas in Zion Visitor Center, will promote awe-inspiring discovery of the birds that soar throughout the canyon with all who stop by the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. 

Enriching the Visitor Experience - Bird Replicas in Zion Visitor Center will support the purchase and installation of nine life-sized bird replicas with interpretive signage flying along the ceiling of the Zion Cayon Visitor Center. Species identified to display include the California condor, turkey vulture, Mexican spotted owl, peregrine falcon, great blue heron, black-chinned hummingbird, and more. These replicas will be placed along the ceiling, a currently underutilized space, allowing visitors to discover more while in line to talk to rangers at the Information Desk. In addition to the planned birds and interpretive signage, a daily bird white board for visitors to interact with as citizen scientists supporting the resource divisions understanding of birds. This data collection will assist park rangers as supplemental data to ongoing research projects.  

“Zion National Park is a sanctuary providing refuge for threated and endangered species, like the California condor. Our goal with this project is to provide a greater opportunity for visitors to get involved watching for birds as citizen scientists and educating the more than 5,000 daily visitors to the Visitor Center about the many species that can be found in the park. Through this work we hope to inspire connections between visitors and the vibrant community of plants, animals, fungi, and each other as they become members of the Zion National Park community.”  - Ranger McKinley Lester  

This project supports those new to birding and the tenured birders with an easy starting point for identification, up-to-date sighting information, and a deeper understanding of some of the wildlife that call the canyon home. Your support towards Enriching the Visitor Experience - Bird Replicas in Zion Visitor Center will allow for visitors from around the world to connect more deeply with the ecology of Zion National Park.