Peep this: Mississippi River Parkway Commission launches Great River Road birding giveaway

Birding Bonanza Giveaway runs through May 31; winner receives $250, Great River Road gear

MADISON, Wis. (March 23, 2016)—Some of the best birding in the country can be found along the Great River Road, the 3,000-mile route that follows the Mississippi River from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana.

Nearly half of the migratory waterfowl and shorebirds in North America use the Mississippi Flyway, and countless species of birds can also be found year-round in the wildlife refuges, parks and forests along the Great River Road.

Now, the Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MRPC) is giving birding enthusiasts a chance to launch their own birding adventure along the Great River Road with the Birdwatching Bonanza Giveaway, which runs through the end of May.

To enter the contest, fans can visit www.experiencemississippiriver.com or find them on Facebook. One grand-prize winner will be selected at random to win a $250 prepaid credit card, a signed copy of the book, “Roadtrip with a Raindrop: 90 Days Along the Mississippi River,” by Gayle Harper and Great River Road merchandise.

Birding opportunities abound on the Great River Road

Spring is an ideal time for birdwatching along the Mississippi River, and birders will find great opportunities in each of the Great River Road states. Some birding highlights include:

• Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge, Arkansas. This refuge in southeastern Arkansas was created in 1935 specifically to protect migratory birds.
• National Eagle Center, Minnesota. Get up close and personal with eagles at daily programs or watch eagles soaring above the Mississippi River from the center’s observation platform.
• Reelfoot Lake State Park, Tennessee. Reelfoot Lake was formed by a series of earthquakes in the early 1800s, and today, this cypress-filled lake welcomes golden eagles, bald eagles and almost every kind of shore and wading bird.
• Itasca State Park, Minnesota. This park in northern Minnesota is home to not only the headwaters of the Mississippi River but also a wide variety of bird species—more than 220 species have been recorded at the park.

Tools to explore the Great River Road

If you’re exploring the Great River Road—whether it’s for birdwatching or anything else—be sure to download the free Drive the Great River Road app, now available for Apple and Android devices.

The app will help travelers navigate their trip along the Great River Road and highlights scenic overlooks, museums, historical sites and more along the 10-state route.

People planning a trip along the Great River Road can also order their copy of the free 10-state map, which notes cities, points of interest and more along the route.

You can also find The Great River Road on Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube.