The discovery of the GSL by Jim Bridger in 1824, as he explored the Bear River Delta, introduced European man to the lake’s abundant waterbird resources (Miller 1980). Since that time, valley residence interests in GSL bird life changed from the eclectic practices of egg collection, guano harvest and market shooting to contemporary scientific investigation. With increasing human populations in the GSL valley came an elevated awareness in GSL bird life. It was difficult to ignore the extent and richness of waterbird presence. The establishment of numerous duck clubs within the delta complexes of the Jordan, Weber, and Bear river systems is evidence of the abundant migratory waterfowl moving through the lake’s wetlands. The creation of State and Federal wildlife management areas followed on the heels of duck club development. These areas were originally established to enhance, protect, and manage waterfowl habitat. Currently, there are nine wildlife management areas including eight State areas and one, large Federal wildlife area. Over time each management system has carried out a variety of primarily independent bird surveys to assess use at individual complexes.

In addition to curiosity in migratory birds, some valley resident academics, visiting scientists, and hobbyists have developed an interest in GSL breeding bird populations, especially colonial species. The most prominent figure emerging from a colorful history of GSL bird study is William H. Behle, who over the course of several decades studied California gulls, American white pelicans and other breeding colonial species (Behle 1958).