5th Annual Big Birding Weekend

We are excited to welcome you to the 5th Annual Big Birding Weekend at Mosquito Lake State Park!

Each year, Big Birding Weekend brings together birders, families, nature lovers, conservation partners, and outdoor enthusiasts for a weekend dedicated to celebrating the incredible birdlife of Mosquito Lake and Northeast Ohio.

Planning is already underway, and as programs, presenters, hikes, activities, and special events are confirmed, they will be posted right here.

Whether you're an experienced birder or picking up binoculars for the very first time, there will be something for everyone.

Please check back often as we continue to build our biggest and best Big Birding Weekend yet!

Friday May 21st

Saturday May 22nd

8:00 AM and 10:00 AM

Shorebirds of Ohio

Location:  Beach Pavilion and Beach Area
Registration Opens April 2027

Join Jason Short, President of the Audubon Society of the Mahoning Valley, for a closer look at the fascinating shorebirds that migrate through and call Ohio home. Jason will begin with a short introduction to shorebird identification, migration, behavior, and the species you may encounter around Mosquito Lake. Then we’ll put that knowledge into action! Spotting scopes will be set up along the beach, giving participants an opportunity to search for and view shorebirds on the lake. Whether you're an experienced birder or just curious about the birds you see along the shoreline, this is a great opportunity to learn from a local birding expert.

7:30 AM and 9:30 AM

Birding at the "The Tubes"

Location:  The Tubes on Hoagland Blackstub
Registration Opens April 2027

We are incredibly excited to announce a very special opportunity during the 5th Annual Big Birding Weekend at Mosquito Lake State Park!

Join renowned birder Greg Miller, whose legendary Big Year helped inspire the Hollywood movie The Big Year, for two guided birding hikes at one of Mosquito Lake's birding hotspots — The Tubes along Hoagland Blackstub Road! Greg isn't just an incredible birder with a remarkable story—he's an amazing person to spend time with in the field. His enthusiasm for birds, knowledge, stories, and down-to-earth personality make birding alongside him an experience you won't soon forget. Whether you're a lifelong birder or just beginning to discover the excitement of birding, this is one Big Birding Weekend experience you won't want to miss.

1:00 PM and 4:00 PM

Mosquito Lake’s Bluebirds: Conservation in Action

Location: Nature Center
Registration Opens April 2027

Join Cathy and Chuck Poponak, two of Mosquito Lake’s dedicated Bluebird Cavity Nesting Program volunteers, for an informative walk through the bluebird box trail they help monitor and maintain. You’ll learn about the nesting habits, habitat needs, and success stories of Eastern Bluebirds at the park—and get a firsthand look at how citizen science and conservation efforts are making a difference. Whether you’re curious about bluebirds, interested in volunteering, or just want to enjoy a peaceful nature walk with purpose, this program offers a meaningful connection to the wildlife that call Mosquito Lake home. A beautiful blend of education, stewardship, and inspiration—perfect for birders of all ages!

Mosquito Lake’s Bluebirds: Conservation in Action

Location: Nature Center
Time: 1:00 PM walk May 16, 2026
Admission: Free | Registration Encouraged
Registration Link

Join Cathy and Chuck Poponak, two of Mosquito Lake’s dedicated Bluebird Cavity Nesting Program volunteers, for an informative walk through the bluebird box trail they help monitor and maintain.

Sunday May 23rd

9:00 AM

Feeder Watch Party

Location: Nature Center
Registration Opens April 2027

Join Naturalist Jason Lee and local birder Kathleen Wallace for a relaxing morning by the feeders as we watch to see what birds stop by. This welcoming program is perfect for birders of all experience levels and offers a great opportunity to sharpen your bird identification skills, compare sightings, and enjoy the simple fun of watching birds up close.

Free coffee and doughnuts will be available while supplies last. Participants are encouraged to bring a lawn chair if possible, though a limited number of chairs will also be available on site. Whether you are new to birding or a longtime enthusiast, this is a wonderful way to start the day with good company and great birds.

Self-Guided Birding Adventures

No registration required

Prefer to blaze your own trail? We’ve got Self-Guided Birding Adventures all weekend long across some of the region’s top birding hotspots—no registration required! Bring your binoculars, a good pair of boots, and discover the incredible diversity of birds around Mosquito Lake. (PLEASE NOTE ALL RESTRICTED AREAS DURING YOUR SELF GUIDED HIKES)

Dunkerton Road

Location: 41.4435, -80.8683
Slow drive or take a walk. Great for Hawks, Horned Larks, Sandhill Cranes, Warblers, Cuckoos, and Sparrows.
Please note: No parking or restrooms, but low traffic.

Penniman Road

Location: 41.4387, -80.8401
Grassy fields, wooded areas, and ponds—perfect for Cerulean Warblers, Sedge Wrens, Eagles, and more.
Please note: Limited parking, no restrooms.

North Park

Location: 41.4294, -80.8108
A mix of open fields and edge habitats—look for Bobolinks, Sparrows, and Wrens.
Please note: Avoid posted restricted areas. Multiple parking spots available.

Western Reserve Greenway Bike Path

Location: 41.4434, -80.8491
Woods, marsh, and water—a birder’s paradise with Thrushes, Rails, Flycatchers, and Indigo Buntings.
Please note: No designated parking, no restrooms.

Bridle Trail

Location: 41.3399, -80.7791
Diverse habitats with great sightings of Woodpeckers, Thrushes, and Vireos.
Please note: Ample parking, no restrooms.

Causeway

Location: 41.3898, -80.7534
Open water birding with Eagles, Herons, Osprey, and Terns.
Please note: Parking and restrooms nearby (SE corner lot).

Grand River Wildlife Area - Norton Lane Ponds

Location: 41.2605, -80.53182
Mix ponds and open fields.  (Sparrows, hawks and shorebirds.)
Please note: Parking available. No restroom. Hunting area. 

Mark your calendars for next year

May 21st–23rd, 2027