Winter Bird Hot Spots
Vacations aren't just for summer. Here are some great winter bird hot spots, perfect for a winter vacation!
Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival
January 15-18, 2010, Morro Bay, California
Morro Bay is home to more than 200 bird species each winter. The California brown pelican and peregrine falcon are permanent residents you might see if you attend the Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival.
Located on the Pacific Flyway, this festival offers events like field trips, discussions and presentations led by local bird experts. There's also a vendor show at the local Community Center.
Full and half day tours will take attendees to various bird habitats like wetlands and estuaries and deep water pelagic.
For more information, visit the Web site.
Whooping Cranes of Texas
Port Aransas, Texas
The Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce celebrates these endangered birds with the Annual Celebration of Whooping Cranes. This year, the celebration takes place February 25-28.
This area in southwest Texas is the only place in the United States where whooping cranes can be viewed at close range. Pairs or families of whooping cranes can usually be seen from the observation tower of the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge from October to March.
Boat tours are also available from November to March out of Rockport, Texas and are the best way to see shorebirds and whooping cranes in large quantities.
For more information, visit the Web site.
Bald Eagles in the Midwest
Many cities and towns along the Mississippi River in the Midwest celebrate bald eagles. One in particular is Wabasha, Minnesota, which is home to the National Eagle Center. This center features an eagle viewing room where guests can watch their five resident education eagles.
There are many locations in the Midwest that honor the amazing birds with festivals or events. For example, Bald Eagle Watch in Clinton, Iowa, Eagle Spot Weekends in Red Wing, Minnesota, or Bald Eagle Appreciation Day in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.
The festivals and excellent bird-watching areas of the Midwest bring in tourists from all over each winter.
For more information about bald eagles and events along the Mississippi River, visit the Web site.