Page 51 - SLO Visitor's Guide - Winter 2023

Morro Bay
Morro Bay Bird Festival flying high again
Over 200 events at the 2024 Morro Bay Bird Festival
Are you a birder? Then Morro Bay is the place for you on January 11-15, 2024, when you can join hundreds of fellow birders at the best yearly event on the Central Coast, the Morro Bay Bird Festival.
The 2024 festival offers over 200 events for beginning birdwatch-
ers to the most seasoned. Events include guided field trips, destina- tion field trips to Carrizo Plain, Kern National Wildlife Refuge, Oso Flaco and Point Buchon, birding
by bike, bay cruises and kayaking, master classes, building owl and bird boxes, journaling and sketch- ing and more.
There are the Big Days of Bird- ing where you can join a leader
with the possibility of rapid iden- tification of over 100 species at hot spots throughout San Luis Obispo County. There are also Casual Big Days at a slower pace for beginning and intermediate birders. A special effort is made to sight regional
specialties and rarities. There are many opportunities for up-close observations.
Kayaking is a wonderful way to see the variety of birds on the bay and a perfect opportunity to take photos. You may see white pelicans,
brant, common loons and a host
of other migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Paddling will pass near the Heron Rookery, Grassy Island oyster farm, mudflats, and channels of the Back Bay. Double kayaks are used and no prior kayaking experi- ence is needed.
You can choose to enjoy a lei- surely boating tour of the bay and estuary. You will view a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl, often at close range. The boat moves slowly enough for you to see details of many species that you normally see only through a scope from shore. Or choose the boating tour for pho- tographers with an expert photog- rapher guide and enjoy a leisurely photography-focused boating tour of the bay on the catamaran.
Pelagic trips will take you out on the ocean where you might even see whales and dolphins as well as albatross, shearwaters, kittiwakes, alcids, and jaegers. Other inland
(805) 900-6000
1170 Front St., Morro Bay
Book Now!
BAYSIDE CAFE
at the marina
A central coast favorite in Morro Bay
Scan this QR code to see our menu online
Open for lunch daily, Dinner Thu - Sun
(805) 772-1465
Across the road from State Park campground entrance on State Park Rd
BaysideCafe.com
slovisitorsguide.com
WINTER 2023 51