Schedule of
Events
2024 Schedule: COMING SOON
2019 Schedule:
Friday, September 13, 2019
5:30pm - 8:00pm - Osborn Metropark
Registration
Welcome reception with live music
Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments
Vendors and Early Bird Raffle
Special presentation and gallery
Meet and greet with leaders and friends
Join us at Osborn Metropark for an evening of fun and festivities to kick off Lake Erie Wing Watch 2019. Included with your festival registration, this event will feature live music by acoustic guitarist Dave Lester, fresh and unique hors d'oeuvres and refreshments, a special presentation with outstanding photographer Gabe Leidy, a gallery of his work, an Early Bird Raffle with fantastic prizes, and an evening filled with old & new friends.
Saturday, September 14, 2019
An exciting day filled with field trips, workshop sessions vendor displays from 12:00 to 6:00pm and a very special Awards Dinner, auction and raffle and Keynote presentation by renowned birder and photographer Laura Keene.
8:00am - 2:00pm - Lake Erie Pelagic Adventure
Welcome aboard the DRIFTER and set sail with Captain Tim and our fantastic leaders, Jen Brumfield and Gabe Leidy, for this one of a kind adventure. Jen and Gabe have been running Lake Erie pelagic trips each fall for the past ten years to scour the lake for migrating jaegers, gulls and terns with outstanding success and documenting many rare-for-the-area birds each fall. Our captain will navigate the waters to the east of the islands putting us in the Central Basin where many of these exciting species have been found on past trips. This adventure is limited to just 18 passengers and will sell out very quickly. Reserve your spot on our registration page and get out on the water with the pros!
8:00am - 12:00pm - Shorebird Field Trip Workshop
Enjoy this special morning in the field with Kent Miller while searching the hottest mudflats, sky ponds and marshes for shorebirds and waders. Variety and diversity will dictate this mornings locations, but with Kents expertise, you are sure to learn and observe these amazing migratory birds on their way south from their breeding grounds. Kent has been birding the Lake Erie region for many years and enjoys sharing and finding these delicate and resilient birds. Registered participants to this trip will receive an update the week of the event for the exact location to meet our leader and experience fall migration in Ohio.
8:00am - 12:00pm - Migrants and Residents of Sheldon Marsh
Experience the diversity and uniqueness of one of the best natural areas of Erie County. Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve is a spectacular location for fall birding and wildlife watching. Our leaders will guide you through the park identifying and listening for a variety ofcritters in the varied habitats in this lakeshore preserve. From the meadow, to the old growth woodlands, the marshlands and out to the barrier beach and back, we will search high (and low) for all things winged, scaled, shelled and furry. Be sure to join us for this beautiful morning afield.
12:00pm - 1:30pm - Lunch at Mesenburg Banquet Facility
Enjoy a delicious lunch at Mesenburg Banquet Facility followed by afternoon sessions from 12:00pm-1:30pm. The banquet hall will be open with vendors displays to peruse and the evenings silent auction and Chinese raffle prizes will be on display. Buy raffle tickets and bid on the awesome items in the Firelands Audubon Silent Auction. Winners will be drawn during dinner at our Awards Banquet Saturday night.
12:00pm - 1:15pm - Back to the Wild Presentation
This session of the afternoon programs will focus on birds with a very special presentation by Back to the Wild. Learn about their rehabilitation work, their facility and its inhabitants and see live exhibits of educational birds. This session is included with the lunch.
1:30pm - 2:15pm - Bat Presentation
This session of the afternoon programs will focus on bats and their benefits with an interesting and informative presentation with a winged mammal expert Deb Nofzinger. Learn about their habits, distribution and how you can help these amazing creatures.
2:30pm - 3:15pm - Dragonflies & Damselflies
This session will focus on the delicate and amazing Odonata families of damselflies and dragonflies. Join us for this unique and visually stunning presentation with Jon Cefus to learn about the different varieties in the region
3:30pm - 4:30pm - Butterflies and their Hosts
You won't want to miss butterfly and native plant expert Cheryl Harner and her great presentation on the butterflies of our area, their hosts plants and what you can do to create a haven for the gorgeous winged beauties.
5:30pm - 8:30pm - Awards Banquet Dinner & Keynote
This is sure to be a wonderful evening filled with friends and fun. Come to Mesenburg Banquet Facility and enjoy a cash bar and hors d'oeuvres and get in on amazing Chinese raffle and silent auction presented by Firelands Audubon Society. Then enjoy a wonderful pasta buffet with a short Awards Presentation and auction winner announcement. Cap off your evening with a fantastic keynote presentation by renowned birder and photographer Laura Keene! Casual attire.
Sunday, September 15, 2019
8:00am - 12:00pm - Exploring South Bass Island
Join us for this unique opportunity to tour Put-in-Bay with local conservationist Lisa Brohl. She will lead us to the unique and preserved parks and green spaces around the island while looking for birds. A limited number of participants will have a great morning of birding and exploring South Bass Island.
8:00am - 12:00pm - Mini Bioblitz of East Sandusky Bay
Our leaders will guide you through East Sandusky Bay Metropark seeking all things winged and beyond. Expert leaders will help identify Butterflies, dragonflies, birds, reptiles and amphibians on this fun and information filled adventure. This walk is complimentary with your festival registration.
