Birds on the Niagara-February 13 to 17, 2025.
2025 Birds on the Niagara – International Birding Festival – U.S. schedule
Parking & Discounts
- Free Parking on Goat Island, February 14th-17th, must tell attendant you’re with the Birds on the Niagara festival!
- Free Admission to Cave of the Winds, February 14th-17th from 9am-4pm each day, must tell ticket booth you’re with the Birds on the Niagara festival!
- Aquarium of Niagara -$7.16 off admission discount, February 14th-17th!
Saturday, February 15th
Winter Gulls of Niagara Falls (Guided Walk)
Date & Time: February 15th from 9:00am – 10:30am
Location: Niagara Falls State Park – Three Sisters Island
Registration Required – Click HERE
Winter Waterfowl Walk
Date & Time: Saturday, February 15th from 9:30am – 11:00am
Location: Beaver Island State Park – Marina Parking Lot, 2136 W Oakfield Rd Grand Island, NY 14072
Registration Required: Click HERE
Spotting Scope Stations
details
- Feathers at Niagara Falls – Three Sisters Islands, Niagara Falls State Park, 10:00 – 11:00 AM, Registration Optional: Link
- Feathers at Niagara Falls – Cave of the Winds, Niagara Falls State Park, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Registration Optional: Link
Great Lakes 360 at Aquarium of Niagara
details
Activities for kids, scavenger hunt, bird walk at 10:30am
Date & Time: Saturday, February 15th from 10:00am – 5:00pm
Great Backyard Bird Count (Guided Walk)
details
Bird watchers worldwide are identifying and counting birds to help track populations and understand their movements as a part of the Great Backyard Bird Count. Join the global effort on a walk with a Reinstein Woods Environmental Educator to search for winter residents like chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and hawks.
Date & Time: February 15th at 11:00am – 12:30pm
Location: Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve – Environmental Education Center
Registration Required – To register, call 716-683-5959
“Flock and Forage” Keynote Event
details
Celebrate winter bird ecology, enjoy a delicious group lunch, and connect with other bird enthusiasts at the Birds on the Niagara Flock and Forage Event! This year, we are honored to welcome Jean-François (J.F.) Therrien as our keynote speaker.
Keynote Presentation:
“Arctic Nomads: Movement Ecology of the Snowy Owl and Other Winter Irruptive Birds” – J.F. Therrien will offer insights into the migration patterns of one of our region’s most beloved winter visitors, their role in the Arctic ecosystem, and the critical conservation efforts needed to protect these majestic birds.
Date & Time: February 15th at 11:00am – 2:00pm
Location: Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Welcome Center, Niagara Falls State Park, Prospect Park Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Registration Required: Tickets are $20 per person, click HERE to register.
About the Keynote Speaker:
Jean-François (J.F.) Therrien was born and raised in Quebec, Canada. He earned his Ph.D. from Laval University in 2011, focusing on the movements and predation dynamics of Snowy Owls in the Arctic ecosystem. J.F. is the Senior Scientist and Graduate Studies Director at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Pennsylvania, where he leads research projects across various species and ecosystems. His work includes monitoring the American kestrel nest-box program, analyzing migration data, and mentoring future conservation scientists through Hawk Mountain’s graduate programs.
Feminist Bird Club: Winter Gulls & Ducks
details
Join Joe Fell and Ruth Goldman for a walk around Goat Island highlighting winter gulls and ducks. This walk is suitable for any level of birder. This walk will depart directly from the Keynote Event at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Welcome Center, Niagara Falls State Park and walk to Goat Island.
Date & Time: February 15th from 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Location: Meet at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Welcome Center, Niagara Falls SP
Registration Required – registration will open soon.
Birding with Buffalo’s Black Birders (Guided Walk)
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Unity Island separates the Niagara River from the Black Rock Canal and is one of the best locations on the upper river to observe winter gulls and waterfowl. Join Marcus and Schuyler on a short walk along the north end of the island, where a restored lagoon and a pier provide great views of rafting ducks and congregating gulls that can have Iceland, Glaucous, and Great Black-Backed Gulls, hiding amongst the Bonaparte’s, Herring, and Ring-Billed Gulls. Don’t worry if you are new to birdwatching; beginners are encouraged to join, so come out and enjoy the beauty of nature with us.
Date & Time: February 15th from 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Location: Unity Island Park
Registration Required – Click HERE
“The Gaggle” Meet and Greet
details
Spread your wings and soar into an unforgettable evening as the Feminist Bird Club of Buffalo and Birds on the Niagara present The Gaggle at Duende on February 15th from 6-8PM. Join us for this inclusive social gathering featuring a basket raffle to benefit both organizations, delicious food and drinks available for purchase, and live music! Whether you are a life-lister or a first-timer, all are welcome to enjoy an evening of community connection as part of the Birds on the Niagara festival!
Date & Time: February 15th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: Duende, 85 Silo City Row, Buffalo, NY 14203
Registration: registration will open soon.
