CORTLAND, Ohio – Big Birding Weekend, an annual event that attracts thousands of people from several states, will return May 23-25 to Mosquito Lake State Park.

Now in its third year, the event has expanded its programming and will include bird walks, nationally recognized guest speakers, social gatherings and family activities.

All events are free, but registration is encouraged for guided hikes and indoor programs to help organizers plan. To see the full schedule and register, click HERE.

The weekend will begin with an introductory session led by park naturalist Jason Lee at 5:30 p.m. May 23 at Champion High School auditorium. Lee will give an overview of what the weekend will bring. The evening will include a series of speakers, including:

  • 6 p.m.: Greg Miller, the legendary birder portrayed in the 2011 film “The Big Year,” will share his incredible journey of spotting more than 700 species in a single year.
  • 7 p.m.: Becky Donaldson, a naturalist at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, will discuss her work restoring biodiversity at Mentor Marsh.
  • 8 p.m.: Sean Williams, an ecologist and ornithologist, will dive into the science and technology behind bird migration in his presentation, “Birding During Migration: Making Decisions Based on Science and Technology.”

Saturday, May 24, will feature a full day of activities centered around the pavilion at Mosquito Lake State Park beach from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Food trucks and interactive displays will be at the site, and admission is free with no registration required. Saturday events will include:

  • 7:30 a.m.: A stationary, relaxed birdwatching session with local birding experts along Hoagland Blackstub Road.
  • 7:30-11:30 a.m.: Guided bird hikes offering birding opportunities on multiple trails.
  • 9 a.m.: A Backyard Birding Talk to discover how to attract birds to your yard.
  • 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Birder Social. Guests can mingle with presenters and fellow bird enthusiasts.
  • Noon: A look at the new Lake Erie Birding Trail Guidebook, presented by ODNR’s Jamey Emmert.
  • 1 p.m.: Volunteers from Mosquito Lake’s bluebird nesting program will lead an informative walk through the trail that they monitor.

Big Birding Weekend will continue Sunday, May 25, with a variety of self-guided birding adventures for birders of all levels. They include:

  • Dunkertown Road: Take a slow drive or walk for a chance to view hawks, warblers and more.
  • Penniman Road: Features grassy fields, wooded areas and ponds, which can attract warblers and eagles.
  • Mosquito Creek Lake Causeway: Features open water to catch a glimpse of eagles, herons, osprey and other species.

Pictured at top: A bird’s eye view of Mosquito Lake State Park, where Big Birding Weekend will take place May 23-25.