Festival Events
Registration Required
Please register for all events by emailing
niagarafallsnatureclub@gmail.com
A signed waiver is required for all hikes unless otherwise noted.
Friday, February 13
Lake Erie Shore Bird Walk
4:30 PM
Niagara Boulevard parking lot (across from Old Fort Erie)
Kick off the festival with a guided walk along the Lake Erie shoreline and Niagara River. Led by Jeremy Bensette, we’ll search for swans, ducks, and wintering gulls as we move north along the river
Beers & Birds
6:00 PM
Brimstone Brewing Company, Ridgeway
Join Jeremy Bensette, professional birder and naturalist from the Point Pelee Birding Area, for an evening of birds, stories, and craft beer as he shares highlights from his Ontario birding adventures.
Registration required: niagarafallsnatureclub@gmail.com
Saturday, February 14
Dufferin Islands & Upper Niagara River Bird Walk
9:00 AM
Dufferin Islands, Niagara Falls
Naturalists Marcie Jacklin and Jeremy Bensette lead a family-friendly, accessible walk exploring winter birds and waterfowl along the Niagara River above the Falls.
⚠️ A Niagara Parks Pass is required for parking.
Annual passes are available at:
https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit-niagara-parks/plan-your-visit/niagara-parks-annual-pass/
Gull Watching at the Adam Beck Overlook
1:00 PM
Adam Beck Overlook
Join Missy Acker, Niagara birder and artist, for close looks at the diverse and often unusual gulls found here. A spotting scope will be available.
Sunday, February 15
Lake Ontario Shoreline Bird Walk
9:30 AM
Newark Park, 1501 Old Lakeshore Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake
(Immediately south of Lakeshore Rd / Niagara Shores)
Led by Bob Highcock and Jean Hampson of the Peninsula Field Naturalists. We’ll explore shoreline and woodland habitats in search of waterfowl, gulls, and winter birds. Walking and some driving involved.
Digiscoping & Afternoon Birding
1:00 PM
Adam Beck Overlook
Marcie Jacklin and Jeremy Bensette demonstrate digiscoping—using a cell phone camera with a spotting scope to photograph birds. Tips and hands-on instruction provided.
Free parking.
2:00 PM – Visit local birding hotspots
4:30 PM – Evening Gull Fly-By
Nelson Park, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Watch thousands of gulls lift off the river and head to Lake Ontario to roost. Prime time for Bonaparte’s Gulls and possible rarities, including Little Gull.
Free parking. Dress warmly.
Monday, February 16 — Family Day
Family Day Open House
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Niagara Glen Nature Centre
Enjoy hands-on activities, nature displays, and special presentations, including live birds of prey from the Canadian Raptor Conservancy. The Parkway Artist Guild presents an art demonstration by Missy Acker.
Free parking.
Sunday, February 22
PAG Paint Battle
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Canadian Corps Unit 104
4674 Ferguson Street, Niagara Falls
Twenty artists compete in three rounds of live bird painting, with winners chosen by audience vote. Vendors, a silent auction, and BON warming station on site. Come paint, watch, or cheer on the artists!