The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is hosting the annual Headlands Birding Festival this September, from the 19th to the 21st, celebrating the fall migration of birds at Headlands Beach State Park and nearby hotspots. Ohio's prime birding destination comes alive as migratory birds pass through en route to wintering grounds as remote as South America.
"Every fall, Ohioans are treated to one of nature's most incredible journeys as thousands of birds pass through our state," ODNR Director Mary Mertz said, highlighting the wonder of this seasonal event. The festival features field trips led by experts to notable bird-watching sites, including a special offshore birding by boat on Lake Erie. Notably, Lake County has catalogued 352 bird species, underscoring the region's biodiversity.
The event will also present engaging workshops on bird identification and migration. Julie Zickefoose, an Ohio-based naturalist and author, will deliver the keynote address at Springbrook Gardens on the festival's opening night. Zickefoose, who worked as an NPR commentator and is known for her book "Saving Jemima," will share her natural history writing and illustration experiences, according to the official ODNR announcement.
Attendees, regardless of their birding experience, are welcome but are encouraged to register in advance for the various activities. The festival is a collaboration among multiple organizations, including ODNR, Friends of Headlands Beach State Park, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, highlighting both a community and a concerted effort to bring people closer to nature.
