Did you know? Hummingbird species, like this Black-chinned hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri), use spider webs (thought not exclusively) to build their nests, making them small but resilient! (Pictured is a juvenile)

Avian poxvirus is a disease that Wildlife Center of Salt Lake sees in raptors and songbirds. It presents as lesions on the legs, feet, face, and mouth. This Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) has a mild case but will still be in care for several weeks.

Dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis) are one species that you can see in Utah year-round! While some of them migrate south, others migrate altitudinally and end up in the valley during the colder months. We love this spicy little Utah resident!

Bands, bands, bands! Banding birds helps to track their movement and lifespan, informs wildlife management decisions and helps us determine survivability after rehab!

One of the most beautifully understated birds in North America, the Song Sparrow (Malospiza melodia) are known for their song variety. Its even in their name!

Have you ever taken a bite out of your burrito at a stop light? Well so has this guy (or rather a conspecific). A May 2025 Smithsonian article by Sarah Kuta details a single Cooper's hawk (Astur cooperii) using crosswalk signals for food obtainment. Clever girl.

Did you know? Utah has three species of pocket gopher!
The Northern pocket gopher (Thomomys talpoides) (pictured), the Botta's pocket gopher, and the Idaho pocket gopher.

Flammulated owls (Psiloscops flammeolus) are one of only a few "dark-eyed owls" here in North America--can you guess the other two species?

Red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) were getting BBLs long before the @kardashians.bsky.social --that's why they are booty-Os.

Northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) can be found in the Northern part of Utah in forested areas! Did you know that this species was in Utah?

The Desert cottontail is a native Utah mammal species. They are found throughout the state and populate areas that are below 6,000 feet in elevation! So if you are above 6,000 feet...maybe you've found a Mountain cottontail!!!

Enough about kestrels, lets talk about the Merlin! These aerial hunters are know for their attacks from below. They fly low and flush flocks of songbirds via the element of surprise! Just like kestrels, the males and females exhibit sexual dichromatism, which is not seen in many raptor species!

Did you know? More Northern pygmy owls (Glaucidium californicum) are medical professionals compared to any other species of owl. No? Well they ARE one of the few species of owl that are diurnal--meaning they are active mostly during the day. Any guesses on the other species of diurnal owls?

Woot woot! American coot! Sometimes confused with being a duck, American coots (Fulica americana) are actually in the order Gruiformes--which is the crane order! These guys are more closely related to rails and cranes than they are to ducks!