Big Birding Weekend

Check out the 2025 programs below for a taste of the activities for 2026!!!

Please check back regularly, as new events and updates are continuously being added.

 Registering for events helps us plan accordingly and ensures the best possible experience for all participants. 

Email Naturalist Jason Lee with questions at jason.lee@dnr.ohio.gov

Friday May 23rd 2025 (Opening Night)

📍 Champion High School Auditorium
🕔 Doors Open: 5:15 PM
🎤 Opening Remarks: 5:45 PM – Naturalist Jason Lee
🎟️ Free Admission | Registration Encouraged

Join us for an exciting evening as we launch the 3rd Annual Big Birding Weekend! The kickoff will be indoors at the Champion High School Auditorium, the opening night festivities will set the stage for a weekend full of exploration, inspiration, and connection with fellow birders and nature lovers.

6:00 PM – Keynote Speaker: Greg Miller

Known as the “Real Life Birder” portrayed in the hit film The Big Year, Greg Miller has been birding for over 50 years. Inspired at a young age by his father, Greg has birded in all 50 states and across much of Canada. In 1998, while working full-time at a nuclear power plant, Greg chased an ambitious goal: to see over 700 bird species in one calendar year—a legendary feat in the birding world. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and the pure joy of birding.

7:00 PM – Becky Donaldson

Becky Donaldson, Mentor Marsh Naturalist with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, for an illustrated presentation on the transformation of Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve. Learn how large-scale restoration efforts have brought biodiversity back to life—plants, insects, birds, and more. Becky will also share insights into other protected lands stewarded by the Museum and why this work matters more than ever.

8:00 PM – Dr. Sean Williams, Ph.D.

Ecologist, ornithologist, and naturalist Dr. Sean Williams of Cuyahoga Community College brings a global perspective to the evening with research that spans from radar-based migration tracking to behavioral studies in the Peruvian Amazon. With a passion for uncovering the mechanisms behind large-scale biodiversity changes, Dr. Williams offers a compelling blend of science and fieldwork. His presentation, “Birding During Migration: Making Decisions Based on Science and Technology,” will delve into how understanding the biological and environmental drivers of bird migration can help birders strategically choose the right hotspots during peak seasons. Discover how science and technology can guide your birding decisions during spring and fall migrations.

Closing Remarks to Follow
Naturalist Jason Lee will return to the stage to conclude the evening with final thoughts and provide directions and highlights for Saturday and Sunday’s packed schedule of hikes, talks, and birding adventures.

Saturday May 24th 2025(Big Day of Birding)

Information Pavilion & Social Hub

📍 Beach Pavilion | Open 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟️ NO Registration...just swing in and enjoy food and friends!!!

The Beach Pavilion is the heart of the Big Birding Weekend—your go-to stop for information, community, and conversation. Whether you're planning your day, grabbing a bite, or just soaking in the excitement, this is the place to be.

🗺️ Stop by anytime between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM to check in with our Information Table, browse displays from local vendors and conservation partners, and enjoy some of Trumbull County’s best eats from our on-site food trucks.

🎉 Don’t forget to enter the raffles sponsored by the Friends of Mosquito Lake—with fantastic prizes up for grabs! All proceeds go directly toward keeping this festival “Birding as it should be, absolutely free!” for years to come. 

The Big Sit with Larry Richardson, Amanda & Matt Sloan

📍 Hoagland Blackstub Road Pull-Off
🕢 Begins at 7:30 AM
🎟️ Registration Encouraged

Pull up a chair and settle in for a Big Sit—a relaxed yet exciting way to bird! Join seasoned birder Larry Richardson along with birding duo Amanda and Matt Sloan as they set up at a prime spot along Hoagland Blackstub Road to see just how many bird species they can observe from a single stationary location.

Whether you stay for 10 minutes or a few hours, this is a great opportunity to learn from experienced birders, share sightings, and enjoy the richness of spring migration at your own pace.

🪶 Bring a chair, your binoculars, and your favorite birding stories!

Saturday Morning Guided Bird Hikes

🕖 Various Times Between 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Multiple Trail Locations Around Mosquito Lake State Park
🎟️ Free | Registration Encouraged See Below for Links

Start your Saturday with the heartbeat of the Big Birding Weekend—a morning filled with guided bird hikes led by some of Northeast Ohio’s most passionate and professional birders. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just starting out, these walks offer an incredible opportunity to spot migrants, learn from experts, and enjoy the natural beauty of Mosquito Lake’s diverse habitats.

Choose from several locations and time slots to fit your morning plans:

🦉 Lakeview Recreation Area Hikes

• 7:30–8:30 AM – Kari Warner & Jason Short  Registration Encouraged
  
  

• 9:00–10:00 AM – Kari Warner & Cindy Woodward Registration Encouraged
  
  

• 10:30–11:30 AM – John Kolar & Mark Shaver Registration Encouraged

🌲 Turkey Run Trail Hikes

• 8:00–9:30 AM – John Kolar & Mark Shaver Registration Encouraged
  
  

• 10:00–11:30 AM – Mike Sustin & Nathan Tea Registration Encouraged

🌾 Hoagland Blackstub Road Hikes

• 7:30–9:00 AM – Mike Sustin & Nathan Tea Registration Encouraged
  
  

• 10:00–11:30 AM – Rick Nelson & Jason Short Registration Encouraged

With top birders from local organizations and Audubon chapters, you’ll not only see amazing birds—you’ll gain insights, techniques, and stories that will stay with you well beyond the trail.

🗺️ Exact meeting locations and trailhead maps will be sent to registered participants and available at the Info Tent near the Beach Pavilion. 

Backyard Birding: Attracting Feathered Friends at Home

📍 Trumbull County Agricultural & Family Education Center
🕙 9:00 – 9:45 AM
🎟️ Free | Family-Friendly | Registration Encouraged

Turn your backyard into a birding hotspot! Join Amy Reeher, District Administrator for Trumbull County Soil and Water Conservation District, as she shares tips and tricks for attracting native birds right outside your door.

Learn which seeds and feeders work best for different species, how to create a bird-friendly habitat, and how you and your family can become citizen scientists without leaving your yard.

🌻 A fun and educational program perfect for families, beginners, and anyone ready to bring the joy of birding home! 

ABC Scavenger Hunt: Birding Through the Alphabet

📍 Storybook Trail (Imagination Station)
🕚 10:00 – 11:45 AM
🎟️ Free | Family-Friendly | Registration Encouraged

Get ready to explore nature from A to Z! In this interactive family-friendly scavenger hunt, participants will search for items in the environment that represent each letter of the alphabet—bird-related or otherwise.

Work together, get creative, and discover the hidden wonders of the outdoors. Prizes will be awarded for completing the challenge, so bring your curiosity and a keen eye!

🔤 Perfect for kids and families looking to blend learning, adventure, and fun in the great outdoors! 

Warren-Trumbull County Public Library Pop-Up Library

📍 Beach Pavilion 

🕙 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

🎟️ Free & Open to the Public

Join us for a unique literary experience as the Warren-Trumbull County Public Library unveils their new Pop-Up Library at Mosquito Lake State Park. Located in the Beach Pavilion parking lot, this innovative setup provides visitors with access to a diverse selection of books, community resources, and interactive exhibits.

Whether you're an avid reader or simply curious about local library services, stop by to explore, relax, and connect with fellow community members. The Pop-Up Library is designed for all ages and is a great addition to the Big Birding Weekend, offering a delightful blend of education and recreation.

Birder Social & Presenter Meet-and-Greet

📍 Beach Pavilion
🕦 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
🎟️ Free | No Registration Required

Take a break, grab your lunch, and connect with the birding community!

Join us under the Beach Pavilion for a relaxed midday social with fellow birders, hike leaders, and festival presenters. This is the perfect opportunity to swap birding stories, share morning sightings, ask questions, and build new friendships in a casual, welcoming setting.

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned birder, this gathering offers a chance to recharge, network, and celebrate the morning's discoveries before heading into the afternoon’s exciting programs.

🥪 Bring your lunch, your binoculars, and your best birding stories!

Discover the Lake Erie Birding Trail 2025 Guidebook 

📍 Mosquito Lake Beach Pavilion
🕛 12:00 PM
🎙️ Presented by Jamey Emmert, ODNR Division of Wildlife
🎟️ Free | No Registration Required

Join us for an exciting look at the future of one of Ohio’s premier birding resources—the Lake Erie Birding Trail!

Jamey Emmert, Avian Education Coordinator and Project Manager for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, will give a special presentation on the 2025 edition of the Lake Erie Birding Trail Guidebook. Learn about updates to the existing 88 sites and get a sneak peek at brand-new birding hot spots being added to the trail.

Whether you’re planning your next trip or just want to explore Ohio’s top birding destinations, this session is your chance to get ahead of the flock.

📘 Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the best of Ohio birding—from shoreline to forest canopy!

Family Birding Stations: Hands-On Fun for Birders of All Ages

📍 Trumbull County Agricultural & Family Education Center

🕐 1:00 – 3:00 PM (Drop-In Style)

🎟️ Free | Family-Friendly | Registration Encouraged 

Bring the whole family for an afternoon of discovery, creativity, and hands-on learning at our interactive birding stations! Whether you're just starting your birding journey or already a backyard expert, these activities offer something for everyone:

🧪 Create a Hummingbird Feeder – Help our tiniest flyers thrive
🌲 Craft a Pinecone Feeder – A classic and fun way to feed wild birds
🌳 Delightful Dendrology – Explore the connection between birds and trees
🦅 Bird Morphology – Learn how a bird’s shape helps it survive and thrive

🎨 Drop in anytime between 1:00 and 3:00 PM and try one or try them all—this is birding fun designed for the whole family!

  Mosquito Lake’s Bluebirds: Conservation in Action

📍 Nature Center
🕐 Walk at 1:00 PM
🎟️ Free | Registration Encouraged

Join Cathy Poponak and Theresa Craiger, 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! 

First Aid Kit for Your Hike: Be Prepared on the Trails

📍 Mosquito Lake Amphitheater
🕐 1:00 PM
🎟️ Free | Registration Encouraged 

Before you lace up your hiking boots and grab your binoculars, make sure you’re ready for whatever nature brings! This quick and practical session will show you how to build a simple, effective first aid kit tailored for birders and hikers.

Learn what essential items to pack, how to handle common outdoor injuries, and tips for staying safe and comfortable during your birding adventures—whether you're on a short trail or a longer backcountry hike.

🌿 *A perfect program for hikers, bird

Introduction to Geocaching: The World's Largest Treasure Hunt

📍 Turkey Run Trail (approx. 1-mile guided hike)
🕑 2:00 – 3:30 PM
🎟️ Free | Registration Encouraged

Join us for a fun and adventurous guided hike as we introduce you to the basics of geocaching—a real-world outdoor treasure hunt using GPS technology or smartphone apps!

During this 1-mile hike on Turkey Run Trail, you'll learn how to locate hidden containers called geocaches, sign the logbook with your code name, and return them just as you found them. You'll also discover how geocaching works, what to bring, and why it's become a global phenomenon with over 3 million caches hidden across every continent—even Antarctica and space!

The hike and instruction will be led by Jack and Robyn, they have been geocaching for 15 years and have almost 10,000 finds and own 100 of the geocaches hidden locally! Perfect for beginners, families, and curious explorers—this session will give you everything you need to get started with one of the world’s most exciting outdoor hobbies.

🗺️ In 2021 alone, over 1.8 million geocachers found at least one cache—come see what it’s all about!

Bird House Building & Conservation with Local Scouts

📍 Mosquito Lake Amphitheater 

🕐 2:00 PM

🎟️ Free | Family-Friendly | Registration Required | Limited to 20 Participants 

Build a home for birds and take home a deeper appreciation for conservation! Join a local scout group as they guide you through the process of building your very own bird house—a fun, hands-on experience perfect for families and nature lovers.

Heather Harris, a dedicated bluebird enthusiast and member of the Ohio Bluebird Society Board of Trustees, will also be on-site to discuss the responsibilities of maintaining a bird house and the critical role these shelters play in supporting native cavity-nesting species.

🛠️ Spots are limited to 20 participants per session. You’ll receive a confirmation email the week of the event if selected.

🌿 A great way to give back to nature and bring a bit of the birding world home with you! 

Raptor Hallow Live Bird Show

📍 Mosquito Lake Amphitheater
🕑 Shows at 2:00 PM
🎟️ Free | Family-Friendly | Registration Encouraged 

Get up close with some of Ohio’s most impressive feathered predators! Josh Kuszmaul from Raptor Hallow Sanctuary returns to Big Birding Weekend with his incredible live bird show featuring hawks, owls, and other raptors.

Learn about the unique adaptations, hunting strategies, and conservation stories of these powerful birds—and discover what makes them such vital players in our ecosystems.

Whether you’re new to birding or a seasoned wildlife enthusiast, this program is sure to leave you inspired to grab your binoculars and hit the trails in search of raptors in the wild.

🪶 A family favorite and festival must-see—don’t miss it!

Prothonotary Warbler: Golden Gems of the Wetlands

📍 Campground Boat Launch Parking Lot
🕙 Session at 2:30 PM
 🎟️ Free | Registration Encouraged

Meet the brilliant yellow songbird that has become a symbol of conservation at Mosquito Lake! Join local experts Loyd Marshall and Steve Craiger, coordinators of the Prothonotary Warbler cavity nesting program, for an inspiring talk.

Learn about the fascinating behaviors, habitat needs, and migratory journeys of these stunning warblers, and discover how local efforts are helping their populations thrive.

This up-close look into the life of the Prothonotary Warbler will leave you with a newfound appreciation for one of Ohio’s most vibrant birds.

✨ A must-see for bird lovers, conservationists, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of wetlands wildlife!

Avian Invaders: An Overview of Ohio’s Invasive Bird Species

📍 Trumbull County Agricultural & Family Education Center

🕑 3:00 PM
🎟️ Free | Registration Encouraged

Not all birds belong. Join Caleb Wright for an eye-opening presentation on invasive bird species in Ohio—who they are, how they arrived, and the impact they're having on our ecosystems.

This session will explore:
-How invasive birds made their way to Ohio
-Their environmental effects on native habitats and species
-The role humans have played in their spread
-Practical steps we can take to reduce their impact going forward

🦜 A must-attend talk for anyone interested in conservation, ecology, and the complex relationship between birds and human activity.

Birding Tech Evolution: eBird’s Impact and Beyond

📍 Mosquito Lake Amphitheater
🕓 4:00 PM
🎟️ Free | Registration Encouraged

Join us for an insightful and forward-thinking presentation by Tim Lenz, lifelong birder, software developer, and co-founder of the innovative new mobile platform BirdingApp.

In this talk, Tim offers a unique, insider’s perspective on the development and evolution of eBird, drawing on his 17 years as a lead developer at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Learn how eBird transformed global birding and data collection, explore powerful tools and features—some you may not know about—and gain practical tips tailored to spring birding in Northeast Ohio.

Tim will also introduce BirdingApp, a new mobile and social platform designed to extend the eBirding experience and better serve birders in the field. 

The Largest Swallow of North America: Purple Martins

📍 Location: Lakeview Recreation Area Trail

🕐 Time: 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
🎟️ Free | Registration Encouraged

Join us for a closer look at one of North America's most fascinating and acrobatic songbirds—the Purple Martin! In this engaging program, you’ll learn about:

•  Their unique nesting behaviors and dependence on human-made housing

•  Their incredible migratory journey from South America to our own backyards

•  Tips on how to create a martin-friendly environment at home

•  The conservation efforts underway right here at Mosquito Lake State Park

Whether you’re a lifelong birder or just curious about these aerial acrobats, this is a great opportunity to appreciate and support these charismatic swallows. Don’t miss your chance to spot them in action!

First Look Hike: Champion Wetlands Birding Adventure

📍 Champion Wetlands Nature Preserve
🕔 Early Evening | Time 5:30 PM
🎟️ Free | Registration Required | Limited Space (You will receive email confirmation.)

Be among the very first to explore the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s brand-new Champion Wetlands Nature Preserve during this exclusive Big Birding Weekend program!

Led by Museum staff, this special hike offers a rare opportunity to bird in a pristine, newly acquired site that’s never been open to the public. In fact, this will be the first time many Museum staff have even set foot on the property!

Champion Wetlands is a stunning mix of shrub swamp, forested uplands, boggy wetlands, and vernal pools—prime habitat for everything from wood ducks and chorus frogs to red-headed woodpeckers and migrating warblers.

Expect adventure: there are no established trails, so come prepared with sturdy, waterproof footwear and binoculars for a truly off-the-beaten-path birding experience just minutes from Mosquito Lake.

🦆 This is more than a hike—it’s a sneak peek into a future conservation treasure. 

Owl Encounter & Owl Pellet Dissection

📍 Mosquito Lake Amphitheater
🕡 7:00 – 8:00 PM
🎟️ Free | Registration Encouraged

Owl lovers, this one’s for you! Bob and Kathy, beloved volunteers of our Owl Prowls and Wildlife Shows, return with some unforgettable guests—including the majestic a Eurasian Eagle Owl, Barn Owls and a Barred Owls—for a captivating live bird presentation.

After meeting these incredible raptors up close, stick around for a hands-on science activity! Cathy Poponak and Theresa Craiger will lead you through an owl pellet dissection, where you'll uncover the fascinating remains of an owl’s last meal. It’s a great way to learn about owl diets, prey species, and the ecosystem connections they represent.

🦉 An evening of awe and inquiry that combines live wildlife education with real scientific exploration!

Movie Under the Stars: The Big Year with Greg Miller

📍 Mosquito Lake Amphitheater
🕘 9:00 PM – Late Night Feature
🎟️ Free | Registration Encouraged

Wrap up an incredible day of birding with a movie night under the stars! Join us at the Mosquito Lake Amphitheater for a special outdoor screening of The Big Year, the birding comedy inspired by true events—including those of our very own special guest, Greg Miller.

Greg, whose legendary 1998 birding journey helped inspire the story behind the film, will be on hand to introduce the movie and share insights about its accuracy, behind-the-scenes stories, and what it was like to have his passion brought to life on the big screen.

🎬 Popcorn will be provided—bring a chair, blanket, and anything you’d like to roast over the campfire as we close out the day in true birder fashion.

🌌 A fun, relaxed night for birders and movie lovers alike—don’t miss it! 

Sunday May 25th 2025

Sunday Morning Birding at Shenango Wildlife Area

📍 Meet at Milligan Road Parking Area
🕗 8:00 AM
🎟️ Free | Registration Encouraged

Start your Sunday immersed in one of Ohio’s most beautiful birding hotspots!

Join staff from the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves and the Division of Wildlife for a morning of birding at the Shenango Wildlife Area, an Audubon-designated Important Bird Area surrounding the Pymatuning Creek Wild & Scenic River.

This special hike offers an incredible opportunity to observe and photograph a wide variety of migratory birds during their spring journey. You'll be walking through diverse habitats—so wear sturdy footwear for trails, wet areas, and light brush.

Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras. A few extra binoculars will be available for use if needed.

🌧️ The event will be held rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather.

🦅 A perfect way to explore the natural beauty and rich biodiversity of one of Ohio’s treasured birding areas!

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)

Here are a few of our favorite locations and pointers from local birders:

🦅 Dunkerton Road
📍 41.4435, -80.8683
Slow drive or take a walk. Great for Hawks, Horned Larks, Sandhill Cranes, Warblers, Cuckoos, and Sparrows.
🚫 No parking or restrooms, but low traffic.

🦉 Penniman Road
📍 41.4387, -80.8401
Grassy fields, wooded areas, and ponds—perfect for Cerulean Warblers, Sedge Wrens, Eagles, and more.
🚗 Limited parking, no restrooms.

🌳 North Park
📍 41.4294, -80.8108
A mix of open fields and edge habitats—look for Bobolinks, Sparrows, and Wrens.
🚫 Avoid posted restricted areas. Multiple parking spots available.

🚲 Western Reserve Greenway Bike Path
📍 41.4434, -80.8491
Woods, marsh, and water—a birder’s paradise with Thrushes, Rails, Flycatchers, and Indigo Buntings.
🚫 No designated parking, no restrooms.

🐎 Bridle Trail
📍 41.3399, -80.7791
Diverse habitats with great sightings of Woodpeckers, Thrushes, and Vireos.
✅ Ample parking, 🚫 no restrooms.

🌉 Causeway
📍 41.3898, -80.7534
Open water birding with Eagles, Herons, Osprey, and Terns.
✅ Parking and restrooms nearby (SE corner lot).

Mark your calendars for next year!!!

May 15-17th 2026