Birds On the Niagara
  • Home
  • BON 23 Programming Guide
    • Canada Program Guide
    • U.S. Program Guide >
      • Burchfield Penney Art Center
      • Black Rock Harbor Center
  • Birds on The Niagara Checklist
    • BON 23 Bingo
  • Birding Places

Birds on the Niagara
​U.S. Program Guide

Picture
NOTE: For Events that Require Registration, follow the registration direction (phone #), or Click on the REGISTER HERE LINK

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM


Download U.S. Schedule Here

Friday FEBRUARY 17, 2023
ALL DAY     BIRD KINGDOM  (INDOORS) (Canada Location)
25% discount admission with code WNYYBC25
Sponsored by the Western New York Young Birders Club -enjoy a special Birds on the Niagara Discount at this Family Friendly place in Niagara Falls Ontario.
Info: Contact wnyyoungbirders@gmail.com
2 - 3 PM BUFFALO MUSEUM OF SCIENCE (INDOORS)
SensErie Birding - Join us in our early childhood exhibit SensErie for sensory activities including listening to different bird calls and exploring hands-on sensory bins with different types of foods that birds in this area eat. 
No registration needed. Free with Museum Admission
Picture
6-8 PM MEET AND GREET U.S. BUFFALO Location: ​Twin Petrels Seltzer Co.
1250 Niagara Street, Suite 400, Buffalo, New York Phone 716 322-1033

Join us on the US side of the border for a Meet & Greet hosted by the Feminist Bird Club of Buffalo and Buffalo Women of Environmental Learning and Leadership- BWELL to kick of the weekend! If you haven't been to Twin Petrels Seltzer Co. yet, it's a beautiful space with a fun food and drink menu! Can't wait!
Meet BON23 Sponsors,  Have Fun!

Picture
6-9 PM Location : Blackburn Brew House in Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada
This is a great chance to meet with the Canadian organizers and have a fun social evening. RSVP required. Justin Peter of Quest Nature Tours  will be on hand to talk about Niagara's birds. Please order food 1 week ahead of time. Menu is on this
page https://www.facebook.com/BlackburnBrewhouse/about

​RSVP on Facebook Event Page CLICK HERE


Saturday FEBRUARY 18, 2023
ALL DAY 10:00 AM-5PM BURCHFIELD PENNEY ART CENTER. BUFFALO STATE COLLEGE INDOORS
PRESENTATIONS AND LECTURES.  COMPLETE SCHEDULE 
ALL DAY  (10AM-5PM) WESTERN NEW YORK WELCOME CENTER, GRAND ISLAND NEW YORK INDOORS
CENTRAL INFORMATION LOCATION, EXHIBITS, PRESENTATIONS. STOP HERE FOR REFRESHMENTS AND FESTIVAL INFORMATION



ALL DAY (OPEN 9 AM) AQUARIUM OF NIAGARA Niagara Falls New York ​INDOORS
​
Telephone: (716) 285-3575 
Special BON23 Programing and Reduced Admission  

Birding Basics: Scavenger Hunt (ALL DAY) Learn the basics of bird ID with our local species scavenger hunt! Posted all around the Aquarium are examples of local bird species that can be found right in our own backyard. Can you find and identify them all? Test your skills and win a prize, then head outside to practice!

10 AM-1 PM CAVE OF THE WINDS, Niagara Falls State Park OUTDOORS
FREE GOAT ISLAND PARKING and FREE Access for ALL BON23 Festival Participants
​
10:00 AM- 2:00 PM Birding Basics: Where to Begin? If you have ever wanted to start birding, it may seem a bit daunting to start- what gear do I need? What birds will I see? Where do I even go? The Birding Basics table inside the Aquarium near our Penguin Coast exhibit will offer helpful tips and you can learn how to contribute to the future of bird science!

10:00 AM- 2:00 PM Modern Day Dinosaurs: The Adaptation of Birds The story of our modern birds is an old one with millions of years of adaptation and change. We invite you to stop by our table at the Aquarium of Niagara to learn the evolutionary story that brought birds to where they are today. From velociraptors to vultures, we will uncover the origins of these modern day dinosaurs.
ALL DAY     BIRD KINGDOM  INDOORS (Canada Location)
25% discount admission with code WNYYBC25
Sponsored by the Western New York Young Birders Club enjoy a special Birds on the Niagara Discount at this Family Friendly place in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Info: Contact:  wnyyoungbirders@gmail.com
8 AM- 12 NOON BIRDING ON GOAT ISLAND OUTDOORS
LOCATION: Goat Island, Niagara Falls State Park
Tour Leader: Aiden Haley - New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Come join the Birds on the Niagara birding extravaganza on Goat Island. Search for Gulls and other over wintering sensations! REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.

​
9 AM - 12 NOON  FEATHERS ON THE NIAGARA RIVER OUTDOORS
​LOCATION: Beaver Island State Park
​Tour Leader: Tina Spencer ​ - New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation
Join a park naturalist with a spotting scope to view the migrating waterfowl on the Niagara River. For information call (716) 282-5154.  REGISTRATION Not Required
10-11 AM BIRDS OF BUFFALO HARBOR  OUTDOORS
LOCATION: Buffalo Harbor State Park,
Tour Leader: Matt Nusstein - New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation

Celebrate our winter birds as we take a walk along the promenade and look for waterfowl, gulls and hopefully snowy owls! Dress for the weather and bring spotting scopes and binoculars if you have them.  REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.   For information and registration call (716) 549-1050.
10 AM - 2 PM  FEATHERS ON LAKE ONTARIO OUTDOORS
LOCATION: Fort Niagara State Park
​Tour Leader: Kelly Sieman ​- New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation
Join a naturalist with a spotting scope on the sun lawn in Fort Niagara to view the migrating waterfowl over Lake Ontario! For information call (716) 282-5154. REGISTRATION Not Required
10 AM-12 PM Bird and Nature-themed Board Games, Feeder Watch, and Hot Cocoa Warming Station
​INDOORS and OUTDOORS
LOCATION: REINSTEIN WOODS NATURE PRESERVE
​
HOSTED BY:
WNY Young Birders Club
Info: Contact wnyyoungbirders@gmail.com
FREE-REGISTRATION not required
10 AM-11:30 AM Great Backyard Bird Count- Family Friendly Bird Walk OUTDOORS
​LOCATION: REINSTEIN WOODS NATURE PRESERVE
Leader: Marcus Rosten, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Locally join the global effort to identify and count birds this weekend on a beginner bird walk at Reinstein Woods.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED Call 716-683-5959 to register.


NOON BIRDING 101 OUTDOORS
​LOCATION: REINSTEIN WOODS NATURE PRESERVE
​
HOSTED BY:
WNY Young Birders Club
Info: Contact wnyyoungbirders@gmail.com
FREE-REGISTRATION not required
12:30 PM-2:00 PM. Buckhorn Island Birding LGBTQ+ OUTDOORS
LOCATION: Buckhorn Island State Park
Leader: Buffalo Ornithological Society - Joe Fell
BON welcomes the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Located at the northern tip of Grand Island, Buckhorn Island State Park is nearly 900 acres of forest, meadows, and emergent marsh along the shore of the Niagara River. This mix of habitats attracts a wide variety of birds. As we begin our walk, we can expect to see and hear some of our common winter residents such as Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, as well as various sparrow and woodpecker species. Continuing along the Niagara River, we can expect a variety of waterfowl that may include Tundra Swans, Canvasback, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, and others.  
There will be a scope for viewing waterfowl, but please bring your own binoculars if you have them. The terrain is flat, but mud or ice may be present depending on weather conditions. Please dress for the weather and keep in mind that there are no restrooms or other facilities at the park. For a more complete list of birds at the park, please use the following link
: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L164983
Registration is Required REGISTER HERE
​2:00PM - 4:00PM Fort Niagara Birding OUTDOORS
LOCATION: Fort Niagara State Park
Leader: Andrew Gaerte
Tour leader will be stationed at the main parking lot in Fort Niagara State Park (43.26441721128638, -79.0568289945825) for a drop-in lakewatch program. In addition to scanning for typical lake species such as gulls and ducks, Andrew will be sharing about the history of birds in the region during the 18th and early 19th centuries as documented by the indigenous inhabitants and european travelers to the Niagara region. Information will also be shared about where to find woodland birds on your own within Fort Niagara State Park. Participants are welcome to come for the entire time, or for what works for their schedule. Drop-In Program - No Registration Required
​​2:30PM - 4:00PM Aqua Lane Birding with the Feminist Bird Club OUTDOORS
LOCATION: Aqua Lane Park
Leader: FBC Buffalo - Lauren Makeyenko and Molly Dreyer
Join the Feminist Bird Club of Buffalo for a short walk at Aqua Lane Park along the Niagara River in Tonawanda. FBC Buffalo is dedicated to promoting inclusivity in birding while fundraising and providing a safe opportunity for members of the LGBTQ+ community, BIPOC, and women to connect with the natural world. We'll be looking for views of Bald Eagles and waterfowl during this walk. Highlights may include Common Goldeneye, Canvasback and Greater Scaup. Beginners are welcome, a spotting scope will be provided.

Registration is Required REGISTER HERE
4:30PM – 6PM  SUNSET BIRD WALK
LOCATION: Spicer Creek Wildlife Management Area
Tour Leader: Claudia Rosen - Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper
The Niagara River and its shorelines provide a haven for an incredible diversity of bird life. We will walk along the trails at the Spicer Creek Wildlife Management Area on Grand Island, to observe and enjoy the winter abundance of birds. We'll talk about the River's significance for birds, regional efforts to restore habitat using Living Shorelines, and the steps we can all take to be stewards for our waterways in Western New York and beyond. 
 
Please dress for the weather. Spicer Creek WMA has a universally accessible parking area, trail, and two observation decks that are available for people of all abilities. Beginner birders and families are welcome! Binoculars will be available to borrow. 

Registration is Required REGISTER HERE
6:00-8:00 PM. Owl Prowl 
LOCATION:
 REINSTEIN WOODS NATURE PRESERVE OUTDOORS. SOLD OUT
LEADER: Chuck Rosenburg
Join this night hike along woodland trails in search of owls, enhanced by hoots and whistles from your experienced leader.  Total walking distance about 1 mile.  Feel free to bring a small flashlight and/or binoculars (but neither is necessary). Meet in the Education Center.
 Registration is Required REGISTER HERE SOLD OUT!

Sunday February 19, 2023
ALL DAY  (10 AM-5PM ) WESTERN NEW YORK WELCOME CENTER GRAND ISLAND NEW YORK INDOORS
CENTRAL INFORMATION LOCATION, EXHIBITS, PRESENTATIONS. STOP HERE FOR REFRESHMENTS AND FESTIVAL INFORMATION
ALL DAY (OPEN 9 AM) AQUARIUM OF NIAGARA Niagara Falls New York ​INDOORS
Telephone: (716) 285-3575 
Special BON23 Programing and Reduced Admission 

Birding Basics: Scavenger Hunt (ALL DAY) Learn the basics of bird ID with our local species scavenger hunt! Posted all around the Aquarium are examples of local bird species that can be found right in our own backyard. Can you find and identify them all? Test your skills and win a prize, then head outside to practice!

10 AM-1 PM CAVE OF THE WINDS, Niagara Falls State Park OUTDOORS
FREE GOAT ISLAND PARKING and FREE Access for ALL BON23 Festival Participants​

10:00 AM- 2:00 PM Birding Basics: Where to Begin? If you have ever wanted to start birding, it may seem a bit daunting to start- what gear do I need? What birds will I see? Where do I even go? The Birding Basics table inside the Aquarium near our Penguin Coast exhibit will offer helpful tips and you can learn how to contribute to the future of bird science!

10:00 AM- 2:00 PM Modern Day Dinosaurs: The Adaptation of Birds The story of our modern birds is an old one with millions of years of adaptation and change. We invite you to stop by our table at the Aquarium of Niagara to learn the evolutionary story that brought birds to where they are today. From velociraptors to vultures, we will uncover the origins of these modern day dinosaurs.

3:00 PM The Human Perspective on Birds and their Environment
Birds have a major impact on the world around them, ranging from just their habitat to entire ecosystems. Don’t believe us? Join us at the Aquarium of Niagara for our deep dive into how birds are important to their environment and how their impact has changed over time, through our eyes and the eyes of science.

ALL DAY      BIRD KINGDOM  INDOORS (Canada Location)
25% discount admission with code WNYYBC25
Sponsored by the Western New York Young Birders Club -enjoy a special Birds on the Niagara Discount at this Family Friendly place in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Info: Contact: wnyyoungbirders@gmail.com
8 AM- 12 NOON BIRDING ON GOAT ISLAND OUTDOORS
LOCATION: Goat Island, Niagara Falls State Park
Tour Leader: Aiden Haley - New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation

Come join the Birds on the Niagara birding extravaganza on Goat Island. Search for Gulls and other over wintering sensations! REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. For information and registration call (716) 282-5154.
9 AM - 12 NOON  FEATHERS ON THE NIAGARA RIVER OUTDOORS
​LOCATION: Beaver Island State Park
​Tour Leader: Tina Spencer ​ - New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation
Join a park naturalist with a spotting scope to view the migrating waterfowl on the Niagara River. For information call (716) 282-5154. REGISTRATION Not Required
10 AM -12 PM LIVE BIRD AMBASSADORS
LOCATION Tifft Nature Preserve
Leader: Messinger Woods Wildlife Care and Education Center Messinger Woods Mission is: To promote community awareness,educational instruction, involvement, understanding, appreciation and acceptable of our wildlife in order to conserve.   to co-exist and protect each other, our natural surroundings and all the inhabitants of our earth by education & example.  To promote quality care and medical attention for debilitated wildlife in a professional hospital setting, with the goal of increasing successful wildlife releases.
FREE. REGISTRATION Not Required
Picture
10 AM - 2 PM  FEATHERS ON LAKE ONTARIO OUTDOORS
LOCATION: Fort Niagara State Park
​Tour Leader: Kelly Sieman ​- New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation
Join a naturalist with a spotting scope on the sun lawn in Fort Niagara to view the migrating waterfowl over Lake Ontario! For information call (716) 282-5154.  REGISTRATION Not Required
10 AM -11:30 AM FAMILY FRIENDLY BIRD WALK  OUTDOORS 
LOCATION Tifft Nature Preserve
Tour Leader: Kimberly Adriaansen, Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences
FREE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED. https://www.tifft.org/event/family-friendly-bird-walk-2/​
Save your spot in our FREE guided bird walk for all ages at Tifft. This program is just one of MANY offerings by guest speakers and partnering organizations during the region-wide annual Birds on the Niagara: An International Winter Birding Festival! Advance registration required. Space is limited.
10 AM-12 PM INDOOR BIRD GAMES & HOT CHOCOLATE   INDOORS
LOCATION: Tifft Nature Preserve
Facilitator: WNY Young Birders Club
FREE-REGISTRATION not required
​10:30am-12:00pm Stella Niagara Birding OUTDOORS
Leader: WNY Land Conservancy - Marcus Rosten
With its 29 acres and over a quarter-mile of shoreline, the Stella Niagara Preserve is the largest privately-owned, undeveloped tract of land along the entire length of the Niagara River and is one of our region’s most ecologically and historically important places.We will hike down the natural landing of the gorge to enjoy the bountiful Bonaparte Gulls on the river, and try to find the Little Gulls and Iceland Gulls potentially mixed in the flock. Other highlights may include Long-tailed Ducks and White-Winged Scoters. Beginners are welcome, a spotting scope will be provided.

Registration is Required REGISTER HERE
10:30AM - 12:00PM Birding for All  OUTDOORS
LOCATION: Niawanda Park
Leader: Feminist Bird Club of Buffalo – Molly Dreyer
Join us for a welcoming, inclusive, safe and accessible birding walk for everybody. This walk is geared for  people with mobility challenges and will include stationary/seated birding, and low impact trail walking. We’ll be looking for common waterfowl and other birds that visit the Niagara River shoreline including Mallard, Common Merganser and Common Tern. Please bring a portable chair for sitting in. Location meet-up details will be provided after registration.
Registration is Required REGISTER HERE
​12:30PM - 2:00PM Buckhorn Island Birding LGBTQ+ OUTDOORS
Location: Buckhorn Island State Park
Leader: Buffalo Ornithological Society - Joe Fell and Ruth Goldman
BON welcomes the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Located at the northern tip of Grand Island, Buckhorn Island State Park is nearly 900 acres of forest, meadows, and emergent marsh along the shore of the Niagara River. This mix of habitats attracts a wide variety of birds. As we begin our walk, we can expect to see and hear some of our common winter residents such as Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, as well as various sparrow and woodpecker species. Continuing along the Niagara River, we can expect a variety of waterfowl that may include Tundra Swans, Canvasback, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, and others.  
Registration is Required REGISTER HERE
1:00 -3:00 PM Birding Margery Gallogly Nature Sanctuary ​OUTDOORS
Location: Margery Gallogly Nature Sanctuary (inside Assumption Cemetery, 2950 Whitehaven Rd, Grand Island, NY 14072)
Tour Leader:  Western New York Land Conservancy's Jajean Rose-Burney.

This tour will include a walk through a wooded wetland on Grand Island, owned by the Western New York Land Conservancy. We will look for some of our winter forest birds, like Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, Tufted Titmouse, and woodpeckers including the Hairy, Downy, Red-bellied, and Pileated. Bring boots in case it is muddy. 
Registration: Yes required, and limited to 10 people.
Registration is Required REGISTER HERE
2:30PM - 4:00PM Birding with the Feminist Bird Club OUTDOORS
Location: Beaver Island State Park
Leader: FBC Buffalo - Lauren Makeyenko and Molly Dreyer
Join the Feminist Bird Club of Buffalo for birding at Beaver Island. FBC Buffalo is dedicated to promoting inclusivity in birding while fundraising and providing a safe opportunity for members of the LGBTQ+ community, BIPOC, and women to connect with the natural world. We'll be looking for views of Bald Eagles and waterfowl during this walk. Highlights may include Tundra Swan, Hooded Merganser, Bufflehead and others. Beginners are welcome, a spotting scope will be provided.

Registration is Required REGISTER HERE

2:30PM – 4PM   BIRDING WITH BWELL
LOCATION: Seneca Bluffs Natural Habitat Park
Tour Leaders: Sarah Baillie and Cassie Pelz – BWELL
Join the Buffalo Women of Environmental Learning and Leadership (BWELL) for a walk around the riparian habitat of Seneca Bluffs. Please dress for the weather. Bring binoculars if you have them. Seneca Bluffs is located at 1679 Seneca Street in Buffalo.
Registration is not required. If you plan to attend, please respond to the facebook event at: Birding with BWELL | Facebook

MONDAY February 20, 2023
ALL DAY (10 AM- 5 PM)  WESTERN NEW YORK WELCOME CENTER, GRAND ISLAND NEW YORK INDOORS
CENTRAL INFORMATION LOCATION, EXHIBITS, PRESENTATIONS. STOP HERE FOR REFRESHMENTS AND FESTIVAL INFORMATION
All Day 10AM-4PM Black Rock Harbor Center. 52 Amherst Street Buffalo New York. Live Animal Demonstration with Rehab group AWARE and Western New York Raptor and Wildlife Care, additional programs and presentations, warming center for walks, refreshments.  FULL SCHEDULE HERE
ALL DAY (OPEN 9 AM) AQUARIUM OF NIAGARA Niagara Falls New York ​INDOORS
Telephone: (716) 285-3575 
Special BON23 Programing and Reduced Admission ​
ALL DAY     BIRD KINGDOM  INDOORS (Canada Location)
25% discount admission with code WNYYBC25
Sponsored by the Western New York Young Birders Club enjoy a special Birds on the Niagara Discount at this Family Friendly place in Niagara Falls Ontario.
Info: Contact: wnyyoungbirders@gmail.com
8AM – 10AM  WINTER GULLS OF NIAGARA FALLS
LOCATION: Niagara Falls State Park – Goat Island
Tour Leader: Thomas J. Mudd, Jr. – Buffalo Ornithological Society
Join BOS leader, TJ Mudd, Jr. for a birding walk at Three Sisters Island in Niagara Falls State Park. We will try to find as many gull species as possible. Highlights will hopefully include Glaucous Gull and Harlequin Ducks. Bring binoculars and/or a spotting scope if you have them.
Registration is Required REGISTER HERE
10 AM-1 PM CAVE OF THE WINDS, Niagara Falls State Park OUTDOORS
FREE GOAT ISLAND PARKING and FREE Access for ALL BON23 Festival Participants
10:30AM - 12:00PM Birding with Buffalo's Black Birders-Upper River Gulls and Ducks OUTDOORS
LOCATION: Unity Island- North End 
Leader: Buffalo Ornithological Society - Marcus Rosten and Schulyer Lawson
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 Schulyler 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. Beginners are encouraged to join and binoculars will be available to borrow.

We will meet in the North most parking lot (42.934046, -78.907005)  in Unity Island Park. Access the island using the bridge on Niagara Street across from the DiVal Safety Equipment building. When you get onto the island follow the road beneath the International Railroad Bridge all the way to the end where we will meet by the traffic circle. Please note that this is on the opposite end of the island from Broderick Park and the Bird Island Pier, and you cannot drive from one end of the island to the other.
 Registration not required
11 AM - 2 PM.  BUFFALO MUSEUM OF SCIENCE INDOORS
Birds are Engineers - Part of National Engineers Week at the Buffalo Museum of Science. Explore and celebrate the engineering and inspiration that come from birds. Catch a Principles of Flight stage show at the Science Spot at 11am, and get up close to understand nest engineering, owl sounds, and other egg-citing egg facts at stations throughout the Museum.  No registration needed. Free with Museum Admission 

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • BON 23 Programming Guide
    • Canada Program Guide
    • U.S. Program Guide >
      • Burchfield Penney Art Center
      • Black Rock Harbor Center
  • Birds on The Niagara Checklist
    • BON 23 Bingo
  • Birding Places