St. George Winter Bird Festival Runs Jan 24-26

The 10th annual St. George Winter Bird Festival is about to begin in sunny St. George. It runs Jan. 24-26, with workshops, field trips, a banquet and other activities in and around St. George. It provides a great opportunity to learn about birds while enjoying the warm weather and great recreational activities in Utah's Dixie.

This year's keynote speaker: Christopher Balmer, a well known and nationally published nature photographer.

The festival provided the information below. See the official website for schedules and complete details, or download this pdf brochure.

Southwest Utah habitats can attract over 375 species of birds during the year. The habitats range from desert, forest, and riparian. During the St. George winter months many waterfowl migrate through and stop at our lakes and reservoirs. Raptors especially, find this region an ideal location for the cold months. Whether you are a beginner or longtime birder, you will find many attendees that are eager to share their experiences and enthusiasm for birding.

Participants can attend any of the Festival’s multiple presentations, workshops or field trips for a minimal $5.00 - 3 day general admission pass per person (children 17 & under are free). All the activities, except for the evening presentations, are based at Tonaquint Park and Nature Center. In between all the activities, guests can browse through the Dixie Arizona Strip Interpretive Association’s bookstore, grab a snack or hot drink, or purchase a 2013 St. George Winter Bird Festival collectible event t-shirt or hat at the Red Cliffs Audubon Society’s booth.