The term Snowbird is used to describe Canadians and people from the Pacific Northwest, Northeast or Midwestern United States who spend a large portion of winter in warmer locales such as Arizona, Florida, or elsewhere along the Sunbelt region of the southern United States, areas of the Caribbean, and even as far away as Australia and New Zealand. It is also used for those who migrate to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada for the winter. Victoria is known for having very mild winters by Canadian standards, and has an annual "blossom count" in mid-February to prove its warm winter status. Residents of northern Europe also flock to the warmer areas in the United States, establishing second communities of seasonal residents. The Pacific Northwest from space This page is about the region that includes parts of Canada and the United States. ... Regional definitions vary The Northeastern United States is a region of the United States defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. ... Regional definitions vary from source to source. ... Winter is one of the four seasons of temperate zones. ... Official language(s) English Spoken language(s) English 74. ... Official language(s) English Capital Tallahassee Largest city Jacksonville Largest metro area Miami Area  Ranked 22nd  - Total 65,795[1] sq mi (170,304[1] km²)  - Width 361 miles (582 km)  - Length 447 miles (721 km)  - % water 17. ... Categories: Stub | Belt regions of the United States ... “West Indian” redirects here. ... Location of Victoria within the Capital Regional District in British Columbia, Canada Country Canada Province British Columbia Regional District Capital Incorporated 1862[1] Government  - Mayor Alan Lowe (past mayors)  - Governing body Victoria City Council  - MP Denise Savoie  - MLAs Carole James, Rob Fleming Area [2]  - City 19. ...

Snowbirds are typically retirees, and business owners who can afford to be away from home for long periods of time or have a second home in a warmer location. Some snowbirds carry their homes with them, as campers (mounted on bus or truck frames) or as boats following the east coast Intracoastal waterway. It used to be that snowbirds were the wealthy who maintained several seasonal residences and shifted residence with the seasons to avail themselves of the best time to be at each location. Retirement is the status of a worker who has stopped working. ... A custom made camper trailer A boat on a trailer The same trailer empty A Trailer is an unpowered vehicle pulled by a powered vehicle. ... Tug and barge on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway Navigation on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW), where it intersects with Bayou Perot, in the vicinity of New Orleans The Intracoastal Waterway is a 4,800-km (3,000-mile) recreational and commercial waterway along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the...

Many of these "Snowbirds" also use their vacation time to declare permanent residency in low, or no tax states (where the taxes are sustained by high tourism taxes), and claim lower non-resident income taxes in their home states. Some are reputed to use this dual-residency to absentee vote in both locales. An absentee ballot is a vote cast by someone who is unable or unwilling to attend the official polling station. ...

Origin of term

Use of "Snowbird" in this sense may be reflected in "Snowbird", a song made popular by Canadian Anne Murray:
The plaintive lost love song Snowbird was written by the late Gene Maclellan and, while covered by many renditions (including Elvis Presley), is best known through Anne Murrays 1972 mellifluous version. ... Anne Murray, CC, ONS (born Morna Anne Murray June 20, 1945), is a Canadian singer born in Springhill, Nova Scotia, known for her rich alto voice and her taste in choosing songs that appeal to Pop, Country and Adult Contemporary listeners alike. ...

"Spread your tiny wings and fly away

And take the snow back with you

Where it came from on that day

...

So, little snowbird, take me with you when you go

To that land of gentle breezes where the peaceful waters flow..."

See also

• Canadians of convenience
• Seasonal human migration
• RV Lifestyle

The term Canadians of convenience became prominent in 2006 in conjunction with the evacuation of Canadian citizens from Lebanon during the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict. ... Seasonal human migration is very common in agricultural cycles. ... The RV Lifestyle (RV stands for recreational vehicle) is made up of primarily retired people and those interested in traveling and camping rather than living in one location. ...

External links

• Canadian Snowbirds Website
• Snowbirds Welcome