True birders can see millions on Alaska route

March 13, 2011|Currents, Kari Bodnarchuk, Globe Correspondent

The city of Wrangell in Alaska’s Inside Passage holds the Stikine River Birding Festival April 28-May 1 to welcome the millions of birds that stop here during their annual journey north along the Pacific Flyway, an aerial migration route that links South America and Alaska. Each spring, millions of sandhill cranes, snow geese, and Western sandpipers, and more than 2,000 eagles cruise through this region. The four-day event includes early morning bird walks, wildlife and birding expeditions on the Stikine River, a chance to meet nature and wildlife artist Linda Infante Lyons of Anchorage, and family activities such as building birdhouses and creating paintings using natural dyes made from salmon eggs. 907-874-7563,www.stikinebirding.org

Maldives shark safari

The Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa has launched new Shark Safari Snorkels to teach travelers about the often-misunderstood creatures’ positive impact on the ecosystem. On this 3-hour excursion, a marine biologist takes snorkelers age 8 and older to Bandos Island, where they can observe black-tip and white-tip reef sharks in their natural habitat. The safari runs Mondays and Fridays at 2:30 p.m., and is only available to Four Seasons guests. Rates: adults $62.50, children under 12 $28.40 (including taxes). 011-960-664-4888, www.fourseasons.com/maldiveskh

Zagat website revamp

Zagat.com, which provides consumer-generated restaurant reviews, has added free features to its revamped website. You will find interactive maps that allow you to search for restaurants by neighborhood or near a popular landmark; helpful lists broken down by topic, such as top burger joints, delis, and child-friendly restaurants; links to local and national reviews; and new stats that indicate how each restaurant ranks in its cuisine category and neighborhood. Also, sign up for dining deals, make online reservations, and access thousands of menus and photos. Go to zagat.com or download the Zagat app to your Apple or Android device. 800-540-9609, www.zagat.com

KARI BODNARCHUK