MENTOR, Ohio — Calling all birders!

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will be hosting the inaugural Headlands Birding Festival from Sept. 20 through 22 at the Headlands Beach State Park, according to a press release from the department.

What You Need To Know

  • The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will be hosting the inaugural Headlands Birding Festival from Sept. 20 through 22

  • It will be at the Headlands Beach State Park

  • The ODNR says this is meant to celebrate the fall migration, when a large number of birds head south for the winter

  • The birding festival will feature field trips guided by experts, a boating tour and various presentations

The ODNR says this is meant to celebrate the fall migration, when a large number of birds head south for the winter.

“We’re thrilled to bring this festival to life in a region that plays such a vital role in bird migration,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz in the release. “The Headlands Birding Festival is a perfect opportunity for both novice and seasoned birders to connect with nature and deepen their understanding of all the different kinds of birds in Ohio.”

There are 352 documented species of bird in Lake County, and the ODNR calls out the Headlands/Mentor Marsh region as having “one of the highest diversities and volumes of migratory birds in Ohio.”

The birding festival will feature field trips guided by experts, a boating tour and various presentations.

According to the release, speakers will include Jim McCormac, nature photographer and author of Birds of Ohio, and Greg Miller, who spotted more than 700 species of bird in North America in one year.

McCormac will be speaking Friday night at the Springbrook Gardenhouse. Miller will be speaking Saturday night.

“Participation in the Headlands Birding Festival is open to all, regardless of experience level,” the release reads. “Attendees are encouraged to register in advance to secure their spots for field trips and presentations.”

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