Karval is a tiny town in eastern Colorado that plays host to the annual Mountain Plover Festival. Held in late April or early May, this is a can’t-miss event for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. The Mountain Plover Festival is the only event of its kind in the US, and you’re likely to spot not only plovers but also prairie dogs, big-horned owls, ducks, and other migratory birds.
Native to Colorado, mountain plovers are wading birds that are classified as “near threatened,” which means that, while they’re not currently endangered, without ongoing conservation efforts, they would be. Luckily, you can catch a sight of this bird at the 15th Annual Mountain Plover Festival, which is held on Friday thru Sunday, April 29th – May 1st, 2022.
At the festival, you’ll get a taste of the rural side of Colorado. Some local farmers and ranchers open up their homes to guests, but aside from that, there’s limited camping, hookups for RVs, and hotels in Hugo and Limon. In addition to wildlife sightings, you can learn about local conservation practices, tour private land, enter a photo contest, or have a country dinner with western entertainment.
Details
Address: Karval, CO
Phone: 719-892-0060
Date: Friday – Sunday | April 29 – May 1, 2022
Cost: Tickets vary depending on whether you get the full package or attend festivities a la carte
Website: mountainploverfestival.com
