A Close-up on Black Rosy-Finch Research

Join Us for the Second Speaker Series Talk of 2026!

Join Friends of Alta and wildlife conservation biologist Shawn Pladas for an insightful session on the Black Rosy-Finch's. Shawn will introduce the species’ background, highlighting important knowledge gaps and ongoing threats that impact its survival. Learn about innovative research approaches used to address these gaps, including RFID tracking and stable isotope analysis. Shawn will also share exciting details about new studies involving the Motus Wildlife Tracking System and bird tagging efforts, offering a glimpse into how technology helps scientists monitor movement and behavior. This event is a great chance to discover more about this elusive alpine bird, the challenges it faces, and cutting-edge conservation efforts underway to protect it.

Whether you’re a bird enthusiast or simply curious about local wildlife, this talk promises to be both informative and enjoyable in a relaxed setting. Come for the science, stay for the atmosphere!

Fisher Beer is a 21+ venue, so you’ll need to bring a valid driver’s license to attend. Even if you are not purchasing a drink you will need a valid ID to enter.

Shawn Pladas Bio:

Shawn Pladas is a Wildlife Conservation Biologist with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR). His efforts focus on conserving, managing, and understanding Utah’s Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). He is specifically focused on the wide diversity of Utah’s avian and mammal SGCNs - from bats, kangaroo mice, kit foxes, and pika to rosy-finches, pinyon jays, sage grouse, and more. He implements a diverse group of projects within the UDWR's Wildlife Conservation Program and collaborates with numerous partners on their projects and research, including otter monitoring, shorebird surveys, and migratory bird monitoring. Shawn has extensive experience in sensitive species ecology and an M.S. in Ecology from Southeastern Louisiana University, where he completed research on the movement ecology and associated climate impacts to Mexican free-tailed bats in the South-Central U.S. 

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible business sponsor, Fisher Brewing, for graciously hosting us during the event.

While attendance is free, we encourage donations to support ongoing efforts to protect Alta and preserve its beauty for generations to come. A suggested donation of $5 per person helps continue this important work.

Out of State and Zoom registration:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/zsDqA_pWSd-yLyriEzUdfA

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.