The inaugural Headlands Birding Festival will take place September 20–22 at Headlands Beach State Park. The event will celebrate the fall migration of bird species as they travel to their wintering grounds as far away as South America.

The Headlands / Mentor Marsh region hosts some of the highest diversity and volume of migratory birds in the state, with 352 species documented in Lake County.

Bird experts will lead field trips to some of the region’s best migratory bird hotspots as well as a boating ‘pelagic’ on Lake Erie. There will be presentations on bird identification, migrations, and related topics.

Jim McCormac, author of ‘Birds of Ohio’ and renowned nature photographer will give a keynote speech at the Springbrook Gardenhouse on Friday night.

Greg Miller, known for breaking the record for most bird species seen in North America in a single year, will give the keynote speech on Saturday night. Greg’s record-breaking year was adapted into the film “The Big Year” starring Jack Black and Owen Wilson. Participation from a wide range of experience levels is welcomed.

Visit website for full schedule and times. Attendance fees may apply.