The Beehive State may also qualify as the Birding State, boasting habitat for 400 avian species, Herbert noted in declaring May as Month of the Bird, timed with many bird-related events across the state and the world.
“Utah is home to 22 Important Bird Areas that have international or state significance for biodiversity and birds,” the declaration states. “The Great Salt Lake and its associated wetlands are recognized as hemispherically and globally important breeding, staging, and stopover habitat for millions of waterbirds, including shorebirds.”
Birding has become an economically important recreational activity and birds provide valuable services to humans “by dispersing beneficial seeds, feeding on harmful insects and invasive fish, and otherwise helping to balance natural system,” Herbert wrote.