The inaugural Mazatlan Bird Festival is Jan. 16-19 at the Hotel Playa. It will feature four days of wildlife tours, educational workshops, birding experts and artistic exhibits. Situated along Mexico's Pacific Coast, Mazatlan is home to more than 500 bird species, including 35 indigenous varieties such as the rare tufted jay. Visitors can take guided birding tours, day trips or multiple-day circuit tours that include the Tufted Jay Preserve. Other events include educational workshops with authors and talks on conservation and sustainable tourism. For more information, visit www.mazatlanbirdfestival.com.