Colorful kayaks dot the waters of Bountiful Pond, nestled against the far edge of Farmington Bay’s wetlands on the eastern shores of Great Salt Lake. The paddlers are quiet, their paddles still, all eyes on a group of American Avocets and Black-necked Stilts. The kayakers sit in revered silence and watch the birds, some with binoculars, before moving across the pond to observe other birds like pelicans, songbirds, and waterfowl. After two hours of this mindful birding experience, the group returns to the shores. While looking at the group of shorebirds, a participant lowers their binoculars and quietly exclaims, “The Avocet’s legs are blue! I’ve seen Avocets many times before, but I’ve never noticed that they have blue legs!” Moments like this—unfettered opportunity for people to experience birding in a unique way and connect with each other, the birds, and the nature they’re in—are the purpose of bird festivals across the world. And the Great Salt Lake Bird...