9 Years and Counting: BYU Students Track Delta Birds

Since 2017, the Delta project has been partnering with BYU students and wildlife biologists to track how birds use the Provo River Delta area and nearby Utah Lake. Surveys of 22 sites have documented how bird activity has shifted before, during, and after Delta construction. The continually growing dataset allows biologists to track population trends and helps project partners manage the Delta so as not to increase wildlife hazards to Provo Airport.

Data shows the newly restored Delta is attracting a greater number and variety of species—including waterbirds, waterfowl, gulls, and shorebirds—as they discover new foraging and resting habitat. As water levels rise and fall, bird habitats change too. Before the Provo River was diverted into the Delta, songbirds, blackbirds, and swallows were most common in the area. During construction, many species dipped in numbers, except blackbirds that foraged easily in freshly turned soil. After the river diversion in 2023, waterbirds, waterfowl, gulls, and shorebirds have increased each year as our winged friends discover the Delta’s dynamic habitat.

*2026 data reflect partial-year observations; data collection is still in progress.

To learn more about BYU student involvement in this critical effort, check out the BYU News story How BYU students at the Provo River Delta are tracking birds and protecting habitats, by Ellie Larsen, July 07, 2026 and watch the BYU Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ipqviaIF2I:

BYU Video, Tracking Birds, Protecting Habitats: BYU Students at the Provo River Delta, YouTube

Finish work continues on features built along the Old Provo Channel

Crews will be tidying up and completing finishing touches on new recreation features along the Old Provo Channel this fall. These features were included in the delta restoration project to enhance the area’s recreational offerings.

Fishing Platforms: Warning signs and red fencing to prevent access will remain on the three fishing platforms built this summer while additional work to increase their stability and safety is performed. The entrances of the piers will be tied into the Old Provo Channel trail after Utah County repaves the trail.

Fishing pier locations were selected based on feedback from local anglers to improve fishing access on the old channel. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has been stocking fish into the channel to improve local fishing opportunities. By the end of September, they will have stocked over 4,000 Rainbow and Tiger trout and 150 Walleye this year.

Non-Motorized Boat Ramps: Crews have completed initial construction of two non-motorized boat ramps on the channel. While the ramps are now functional, additional work to secure their edges and connect them to the river trail will be completed after Utah County’s repaving.

Provo River Delta Management Contacts

Permits and Delta Project Questions: a permit is necessary for any commercial activity, activity charging a participation fee, or activity involving groups larger than 12 participants in the delta. The permit is required to ensure the delta meets its purposes for supporting June sucker and allowing compatible recreational use. To enquire about a permit, please complete the form on our Contact Us page as you begin planning your event. (As a reminder, no motorized watercraft are ever permitted in the delta.)

  • Delta/Skipper Bay Trail, Trailhead and Wildlife Viewing Tower

  • Old Provo Channel west trailhead, channel trail, north bank and ‘Alligator Park’ parking

  • Boat Harbor Drive

 
 

How Did We Get Here?

Review past years of project construction and see how far we’ve come!