Thelma & Louise, Guyana Toucanets
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort, Palm Desert, California

A little squawking is common in a hotel lobby, but usually, it's over the bill. Not so at the 884-room JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort near Palm Springs, where Thelma and Louise, a pair of Guyana toucanets, lead the chorus of 13 birds who hang out in the lobby. Just as people come to this tropical oasis for sanctuary, so do migrating birds: Depending on the time of year, you might see six species of ducks, Canada geese, coots, egrets, and green heron. A flock of about 30 Chilean flamingos have been sticking around all year, and a chick, named Mireya, hatched on the property in August 2010. But it's the smallest birds who are the stars—carefully placed feeders attract hundreds of hummingbirds to the grounds.

Petiquette: Given how delicate these avian species are, bird lovers will understand why dogs and cats aren't allowed at this hotel. But you can add to your own menagerie by purchasing a Cloud Dew Drop hummingbird feeder from the hotel, which will attract a mesmerizing spectacle at home.

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Palm Desert, California
Tel: 760 341 2211
Rooms start at $139

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