Sunday, November 29, 2009

Yuma is ground zero for great bird watching

The annual southern migration of RV snowbirds has begun. And one of the most popular destinations is Yuma, a warm wintertime hotspot at the southwest corner of Arizona.

For some of these human snowbirds, watching real birds is a popular pastime. And lucky for them, they are close to ground zero for some great viewing opportunities.

The Imperial National Wildlife Refuge, Kofa's Palm Canyon, Betty's Kitchen Wildlife and Interpretive Area, and Cibola National Wildlife Refuge offer diverse and picturesque terrain that attract more than 380 species of birds. Hundreds of species of birds winter in this region, while countless others make it their home year round. Egrets and herons are commonly seen, as are migrating shorebirds and waterfowl. For the more adventurous, a day of hiking in Palm Canyon can bring into view shrikes, three species of wrens, white-collared swifts performing their acrobatics in the narrow canyon, and high above, red-tail hawks or a golden eagle occasionally soar into view.

CANADA GOOSE DRIVE
Cibola National Wildlife Refuge has established the Canada Goose Drive, a four-mile drive offering close views of wintering waterfowl, as well as great looks at sandhill cranes. Betty's Kitchen provides a site for easy viewing (especially migrating warblers) while taking a comfortable walk along a well maintained trail. The Imperial National Wildlife Refuge is an important wintering area to Canadian geese and many species of ducks.

Learn more about combining RVing with birdwatching.

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