Birdwatchers Flocking to Festival of the Birds

PI Audubon

Presque Isle Audubon celebrates all of the migrating and native birds of Presque Isle in their three-day event Festival of the Birds. With field trips, classes, hikes, speeches, and workshops planned during the event, there will be plenty for local birding enthusiasts to squawk about.

BEGINNING FRIDAY, MAY 12

We've probably all taken notice of the return of birds singing their morning songs. Whether you are a welcomer or loathe the chirpy calls, it is an annual reminder that despite the chilly weather, it is indeed spring in Erie. Birds are on the move in our area — migrating and nesting during this time of the year, which makes this season the perfect opportunity for local birders to enjoy the Festival of the Birds at Presque Isle State Park. This event will welcome approximately 150 pre-registered participants to Presque Isle from May 12-14.

Presque Isle State Park has been rated by BirdWatching Magazine as one of the top birding spots in the country. Presque Isle's location on the Atlantic Flyway makes it a favorite spot for birds to stop, feed, and rest on their migration across Lake Erie.

"Presque Isle is a natural stopping spot for birds migrating further north," explained Mary Birdsong, event coordinator. "They stop before crossing the lake to rest and refuel. Some, of course, are arriving here to stay for the summer nesting season. Another reason Presque Isle is so valuable to birds — and the people who want to see them — is the huge variety the park attracts, because of the diverse habitats it provides. Forests, wetlands, beaches, and open water all attract different species of birds."

More than 339 species of birds have been identified on the peninsula, according to Presque Isle State Park. A bird checklist is available at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in the Nature Shop. Some of the species recorded include warblers and other songbirds. It is also home to many owl, woodpecker, and heron species. Gull Point, a favorite birding spot, hosts migrant shorebirds and terns.

The 2023 festival features field trips to all of the birding hotspots and includes workshops for every experience level, from "Birding 101" to "Native Plants for Backyard Birds." The keynote speaker is David Lindo, also known as The Urban Birder, who is a broadcaster, writer, speaker, educator, and bird tour leader. His mission is to engage those who live in cities around the world with their environment through the medium of birds. Every full-weekend registrant will receive a copy of his book, How to Be an Urban Birder. His presentation — "A World of Urban Birds" — will teach listeners about 30 birds found throughout urban environments. Lindo is also staying a day after the festival to visit two urban middle school classrooms to talk about city birds.

The event also features food, camaraderie, a welcome reception on Friday evening with music, friendly helpful people, and a small ticket auction. If this is piquing your interest, you can follow The Presque Isle Audubon Society on Facebook and/or Instagram to get involved next year. This event is expected to sell out for this season.

If you are interested in learning more about Presque Isle Audubon, you can also visit the website presqueisleaudubon.org to learn about upcoming field trips, educational programming and volunteer opportunities. You can also become a member to receive their e-newsletter. 

If you'd like to support the mission of the Erie Bird Observatory this year, please consider joining them for their First Annual Spring Birding Fundraiser on May 20th and 21st.  On Saturday, May 20th, they will be hosting a reception from 5:30-7 pm at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (301 Peninsula Drive) with Live Raptor Ambassadors from Tamarack Wildlife Center, program updates, and a presentation by Tiffany Kersten entitled "Birdie Big Year: Elevating Women Birders." Tiffany will also lead a walk to Gull Point on the morning of Sunday, May 21st.

For more information, click here

Click here to register for Saturday's Reception.

Click here to register for Tiffany Kersten's Gull Point Hike.

What to Bring when Birding in Spring

Wear comfortable boots as the trails will most likely be wet and muddy.

Bring any birding gear you desire.

Dress warmly and be prepared for cold and rainy weather. 56 degrees is the average high temp for Erie in May and temps on the peninsula are even lower.

Deer ticks are common. Being able to tuck your pants into your socks is strongly advised.

Presque Isle Bird Migration

Waterfowl migration occurs during March and late November through December.

Shorebird migration peaks during April and September.

Warbler migration is observed during mid-May and September.