Flocking to the Falls for Birds on the Niagara

Niagara Gazette, Niagara Falls, N.Y.
·2 min read

Feb. 15—A wintertime tradition returns to the Niagara Region on Friday. The 7th annual Birds on the Niagara once again shines the spotlight on the Niagara River Corridor, which is considered a Globally Significant Important Bird Area.

North America's only international birding festival, it runs Friday through Monday, celebrating winter birds in the Niagara region with free walks, presentations and family friendly activities. Organizers said the event also explores the intersections between birds, conservation, social justice and inclusion.

Outdoor birdwatching opportunities are scheduled at several sites including Niagara Falls State Park, Beaver Island State Park, Buffalo Harbor State Park, and Fort Niagara State Park, and at locations in Canada.

In addition to bird watching, the four-day event features presentations on a variety of conservation issues and initiatives in the corridor including Niagara River habitat improvements, the conservation of nature and birds, and social justice contexts with programs focusing on equity, diversity and inclusion in birding.

The event kicks off on Friday at 6 p.m. with a meet-and-greet at the Sheraton Niagara Falls on Third Street and a Beers and Bird Trivia event at Counterpart Brewing in Niagara Falls, Ont.

Throughout the weekend, the Western New York Welcome Center on Grand Island, will serve as a central information hub. On Saturday, there will be a series of free and public talks and presentations at the Burchfield Penney Art Center. The evening program welcomes renowned bird illustrator and author David Allen Sibley to Buffalo. Tickets for the evening program must be purchased in advance.

On Sunday, programs will continue at the Sheraton Niagara Falls and the WNY Welcome Center. Guided walks and outdoor birdwatching opportunities continue at sites including Niagara Falls State Park, Woodlawn Beach and Buffalo Harbor State Park.

The Black Birders Club is leading a walk at Unity Island Park and the Feminist Bird Club of Buffalo is leading a walk at Beaver Island State Park.

Families can visit Tifft Nature Preserve to see live birds with Messinger Woods Wildlife Care and join the WNY Young Birders Club for fun indoor and outdoor activities. Indoor programs are scheduled for the Sheraton.

On Monday, the Feminist Bird Club will lead a walk at Beaver Island. There will also be walks at Three Sisters Island and Stella Niagara Preserve. Across the border, guided walks are scheduled for Canadian sites including Dufferin Islands, the Sir Adam Beck overlook, Niagara on the Lake and other locations. The Niagara Glen Nature Center in Niagara Falls,. Ont., will hold programs and an open house.

For the updated schedule and registration info, visit the Birds on the Niagara website at birdniagara.org.