BIRD WATCH IN THE MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY
When you stay with us, you can enjoy bird watching, walking our self-guided nature trails, or viewing the many ruby-throated hummingbirds that come to the feeders at our Tara lodge and conference center.
Contact us now to book your group, family, or individual Mississippi birding adventure as part of your stay at one of our lodges.
Bird Watching at Tara Wildlife
Located in the Mississippi Flyway, a migratory route for waterfowl and neotropicals, Tara Wildlife provides a great opportunity to view a variety of birds and wildlife throughout the seasons.
Open Air Birding Bus
Ride through the property on our open air bird watching and wildlife viewing bus and sit back while your tour guides point out seasonal roosting locations and spot birds. Guided tours are available to groups upon request. Let us know when you schedule your lodge stay and we’ll book the tour for you. Download the Tara Wildlife birding list (PDF).
Eight miles of Tara lie along the Mississippi River, providing seasonal nesting and roosting areas for an abundance of wildlife. Tara seasonally hosts a variety of waterfowl, wading, and shore birds during migration including wood storks, and roseate spoonbills.

Birding Festival
The Mississippi River Nature Weekend is held each August. Activities include bird watching, canoeing and kayaking on the Tara waterways or the Mississippi River, tethered hot air balloon rides, seminars and more. Packages include lodging, reception, meals, nature seminars, open-air bus tour, and music for the evening entertainment. Day visitors are welcome.
Spring Outdoor & Birding Weekend
In late April or early May, you can enjoy guided bird-watching tours at sunrise and sunset, led by local birding enthusiasts. There are also short seminars on topics of interest at our birding weekends. Packages include meals, lodging, tours, and social events. Day visitors are welcome. View the Spring Outdoor & Birding Weekend page.

Bird Watching by Boat
New to Tara, our guests can now enjoy self-guided birding canoe or kayak excursions on our many oxbow lakes. Get up close and personal with waterfowl and wading birds in their habitat. Please call ahead for pricing and reservations. Canoe rentals are available. Seasonal limitations apply.
Bird Species at Tara
Some of the birds you can find at Tara include
- Wood Stork
- Roseate Spoonbill
- Great Egret
- Prothonotary Warbler
- Painted Bunting
- Indigo Bunting
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Baltimore Oriole
- Bald Eagle
- Barred Owl
- Great Horned Owl
- Pelicans
- Wintering waterfowl
- Wading and shore birds