Introduction
Welcome to FeatherQuest Utah: Season One — the first edition of the book and the start of the bigger adventure. This page is your hub for weekly challenges, bonus quests, and the little ‘go deeper’ links tied to QR codes in the book.
FeatherQuest is an invitation to slow down and notice the birds around you — not just to identify them, but to experience them as part of a larger story.
This book isn’t meant to be completed in order or rushed through. Each week offers a new lens for paying attention: a handful of birds, a way of listening, a reason to step outside with curiosity instead of expectation.
You don’t need special gear, deep knowledge, or perfect conditions to begin. Many of the most meaningful moments in this book happen close to home — in backyards, neighborhood parks, and familiar places seen a little differently.
Start wherever you are. Follow the weekly challenges, linger on a page that speaks to you, or simply let the birds you already notice guide the way. FeatherQuest works best when it’s personal, playful, and shared.
Weekly Challenges
Chickadees & Titmice
Small, bold, and endlessly expressive, chickadees and titmice reward patience and attention. Learn how to notice them more deeply in Utah.
Harriers & Accipiters
Harriers and accipiters hunt Utah’s winter landscapes in different ways—one floats low over open fields, the other strikes fast through trees. Learn where to find them and what clues matter most.
Corvids
Corvids—jays, magpies, crows, ravens, and nutcrackers—are among the smartest birds in Utah. Learn where to find them, what to listen for, and the key clues that help you tell raven from crow.
Sea Ducks
Sea ducks bring bold patterns, deep dives, and quiet winter moments. Slow down, watch longer, and notice how these birds move across cold water.
Falcons
Falcons are fast, colorful birds of prey built for speed and precision. Learn how to spot kestrels, merlins, peregrines, and prairie falcons—and how they differ from hawks.
Diving Ducks
Diving ducks disappear beneath the surface to feed, popping back up moments later. Learn how to notice their shape, behavior, and subtle differences—especially when species look nearly identical.
Eagles
Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles rule Utah’s skies year-round. Winter is one of the best times to observe their scale, flight mechanics, and unmistakable presence.
Geese & Swans
Utah’s geese and swans dominate open water and winter skies. Learn how to separate look-alikes, notice behavior, and experience their presence more deeply.