St. George Winter Bird Festival Runs Jan. 23-25

The St. George Winter Bird Festival provides a great opportunity to see and learn about birds - and to get away from the ice, snow and smog that chocks so many of our cities.

The festival will be held Jan. 23-25 and will include field trips to productive birding spots in the St. George area. See the festival website for complete information, including a schedule of events. Here's just a brief introduction:

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 2014 St. George Winter Bird Festival collectible event t-shirt or hat at the Red Cliffs Audubon Society’s booth.

Utah Bald Eagle Day

Utah Bald Eagle Day will be held Feb. 8. Field trips will be offered to spots where eagles winter in Utah. In many spots, dozens of birds can be seen and photographed. The event is sponsored by Utah's Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). This Salt Lake Tribune article has info about the event. Below are highlights.

Biologists and volunteers will meet at the following locations and times Feb. 8 as part of Utah’s annual Bald Eagle Day. Spotting scopes and binoculars will be available so you can see the birds up close, but if you have your own, please bring them.

• Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area » 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area » 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Fountain Green State Fish Hatchery » 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Split Mountain/Green River » 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Cedar Valley » 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Great Salt Lake Bird Festival

The annual Great Salt Lake Bird Festival will be held May 15-19, 2014. Watch for more information as that events draws closer.