Because it is a cool, and in many places snowy, month, February was designated as National Bird Feeding Month in 1994 in an effort to help these little creatures find food during the winter. Of course, one of the best ways to recognize this event is to feed the birds (we have a quick bird feeder how-to below). You can also visit some of the bird sanctuaries around our campgrounds.
Florida
If Florida is your winter camp spot, you’re in luck! January through March is considered some of the best birding times in the state. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (stay at Encore Space Coast) is one spot and best birding times are early morning or late afternoon. Birds that can be seen here during winter include Gett, geese and swan, plus pelicans, herons, egrets and Roseate Spoonbills. Winter is considered the dry season in the Everglades, so this is a good time to catch certain species like cormorants, storks and pelicans. Stay at Encore Miami Everglades to visit this great national park for some birding. The Orlando Wetlands is another opportunity to see some spectacular birds as it is home to over 220 species. Book a stay at Thousand Trails Orlando for this one!
Alabama
Plan to camp at Gulf Shores RV Resort and then check out the great birding opportunities in this Alabama getaway destination that include the Orange Beach Loop, which is part of the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail or the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. More than 370 bird species have been documented here throughout the four seasons and winter bird sightings have include peregrine falcons, the Red-breasted Merganser and even a Bald Eagle!
California
If you’re camping in California this winter, here are some spots to check out. The Tijuana River Estuary near San Diego is a winter migrating location for plenty of waterfowl. Visits in February and March could include sightings for pintail, cinnamon teal and the ruddy duck while walking along smooth and accessible trails. There are also regular Saturday Bird Walks on the calendar – check out trnerr.org for information. Thousand Trails Pio Pico or Oceanside RV Resort would be great camp spots to check out this bird watching option.
According to the Monterey Audubon Society, birding hotspots in the area if you’re camping at any of our locations near Monterey (Marina Dunes RV Resort or Thousand Trails Morgan Hill) can include Elkhorn Slough, where raptors, ospreys, egrets and herons can be seen in winter or Carmel River State Beach. The beach’s eastern marsh section is a protected area for hawks, swallows and mallards.
If you’re up north camping at Thousand Trails Russian River, Sonoma County has several great places to bird watch including the Jack London State Historic Park and Lake Solano County Park.
How to Make an Apple Bird Feeder:
Cut an apple in half and remove the core and seeds. Stuff the hole with a mix of peanut butter and bird seed. To make a perch, you can stick a hefty twig into the bottom; then loop a string around the apple’s stem and hang from the tree.
Read More:
- Honor Black History Month as you travel this February!
- Try some new sweet treat recipes this month (looks like there’s a character/space at the end of this link, can you remove that?)
- In the mood for some change? Get inspired to renovate your RV with wiscoflip!
- Get in touch with your patriotic side at these American heritage sites
- Explore the Thousand Trails Camping Pass and the Thousand Trails Cabin Pass
- Find more campgrounds at ThousandTrails.com.