A variety of birds can be seen during birding festival field trips (Black Skimmer photo by Paul Konrad).

The new year in birding starts with a bang with birding festivals scheduled across the continent from Morro Bay, California to the Everglades in Florida. Winter birds and concentrations of wintering species are the focus, and while most of the festivals are located in the sunbelt, they still require cold weather clothing, at least in the mornings. All festivals are Covid-conscious, as are birders; field trips tend to emphasize smaller groups, but it’s encouraging to see more festivals continuing their years of sharing exceptional birding experiences.

With continuing Covid concerns, some festivals require proof of full vaccination for attendees, leaders, and volunteers; some require masking in social settings, including in the field, so check on requirements for individual birding festivals in advance.

Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary January 13 to 17 at Morro Bay, California by offering 160 events over 5 days, including bus and car field trips, day hikes, pelagic cruises, birding by boat and kayak, many informative workshops, master classes, and keynote speakers. (Proof of vaccination is required.) For more information, see Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival – Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival (morrobaybirdfestival.org)

Wings Over Willcox Birding & Nature Festival will take place from January 13 to 16 in the Willcox, Arizona area, featuring field trips, tours, seminars, a nature expo, and a banquet. (The festival is Covid cautious.) Refer to Wings over Willcox

Everglades Birding Festival will be held January 13 to 17, centered in Davie, Florida and emphasizing field trips and field workshops with an opening reception buffet. (Proof of vaccination and masking required for some activities.) To learn more, see Everglades Birding Festival - Birding Adventures with Paddy Cunningham

Yuma Birding Festival will commence January 13 thru 17 in Yuma, Arizona. Look forward to field trips, seminars, and guided tours of Imperial National Wildlife Refuge and Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge. You can learn more at Yuma Bird Festival

Eagles Over Monroe is being held January 22 to 30 at Monroe Lake near Bloomington, Indiana, offering a range of programs and activities about Bald Eagles with a mix of small- to medium-sized in-person programs and hikes, a self-guided driving tour, and a virtual presentation on Facebook Live. For more information, see Eagles over Monroe (facebook.com)

Snow Goose Festival of the Pacific Flyway will run from January 27 to 30 in the Chico, California area, where birders can experience a super-abundance of waterfowl and raptors wintering in the northern Sacramento Valley. Choose from more than 50 field trips to view waterfowl, cranes, raptors, and songbirds; and enjoy the Wings in Art exhibit and reception. (Review the Covid safety guidelines.) Learn more about the festival at Snow Goose Festival of the Pacific Flyway