Kick off the 2026 BON International Birding Festival with a nature themed film screening. Join us at 6:30 for a reception. The screening begins at 7pm.

Date & Time: Postponed until Spring Migration

Start your evening with a little “pre-gulling” along the Niagara River before heading to The Gaggle!

Join Tonawandan Marcus Rosten at Niawanda Park for a casual pre-event birding meet-up on the shores of the east branch of the Niagara River. Depending on conditions, this will include a short walk along the bike path or a stationary spotting scope setup to scan the river.

We’ll be searching for rafts of Canvasback and Redhead Ducks that regularly gather in this stretch of the river during winter. As the sun sets and temperatures drop, we’ll wrap up and head over to The Gaggle to warm up and continue the evening together.

Date & Time: Friday, February 14th from 4:30-5:45p

Location: At the Boat launch in the Parking Lot across from Mississippi Mudds, Niawanda Park, Tonawanda, NY (Google Maps Link)

Registration Preferred: Registration Link

Join Birds on the Niagara 2026 and Feminist Bird Club Buffalo for a fun evening at Tap That Tap Room

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 Tap That Tap Room from 6-8PM. Join us for this inclusive social gathering featuring a 50/50 raffle to benefit Feminist Bird Club Buffalo, delicious food and drinks available for purchase, and fun birdy games! 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 13th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Location: Tap that Taproom, 363 Delaware St, Tonawanda, NY 14150

Registration Preferred: Click HERE

Join Buffalo Ornithological Society member, 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.

Date & Time: February 14th from 9:00am – 10:30am
Location: Niagara Falls State Park – Three Sisters Island
Registration Required – Registration Link

Join State Park naturalists and educators for a closer look at migrating birds on the Niagara River. This is a Drop-In Program. Registration is not required. You can drop in anytime between 10am-12pm.

• Beaver Island State Park: More Information
• Cave of the Winds: More Information

Loving by Nature

The diverse ecologies and behaviors of birds and other wildlife species are not only marvels of evolution, but also serve as excellent roadmaps for how to love our neighbors and organize for justice in community. Corina Newsome will share lessons learned from her work at the intersection of conservation science and environmental justice, and how the hidden wisdom of the natural world—embedded throughout our ecosystems and millions of years in the making—shows us what collective survival has always required.

Doors will open at 11:00am

Keynote Address will begin at 11:30am

Lunch will be served by Buffalo’s very own famous restaurant, La Verdad Cafe at 12:30pm

Local environmental organizations will also be tabling at this event. Birds on the Niagara merch and a gift card raffle will also take place.

Cost: $33.85 – includes talk and lunch from La Verdad Cafe

PLEASE NOTE: meal is included with ticket and must have been indicated at point of purchase. If meal was not indicated, a vegan rice bowl will be the default selection. All meals must be ordered by February 5th. Tickets purchased after February 5th will not include a meal.

Keynote Speaker Biography:

Corina Newsome is a wildlife biologist dedicated to the advancement of justice-centered conservation science, policy and practice. Corina, who serves as the Conservation Scientist on National Wildlife Federation’s Science Team, earned her bachelor’s degree in zoo and wildlife biology from Malone University and her master’s degree in biology from Georgia Southern University.

With a specific passion for avian conservation, Corina’s research has focused on answering landscape ecology questions to help birds thrive in a changing world. Corina’s fascination with birds extends beyond her research and into the communities where she lives and works, serving as beautiful vehicles through which she connects herself and others to the world around them.

In addition to her work as a wildlife scientist, Corina is committed to increasing the representation and visibility of Black science professionals for the next generation of STEM experts, and centering the leadership and perspectives of Black, Indigenous, and communities of color in wildlife conservation, environmental education, and exploration of the natural world.

Spend some time birdwatching with an educator on the south end of Goat Island and on Three Sisters Islands to try to identify the many different species of gulls and waterfowl that congregate at the start of the Canadian rapids. Binoculars and spotting scopes are encouraged.

Date & Time: February 14th at 1:00 – 2:30pm

Location: Goat Island, Niagara Falls State Park, NY

Registration Required: Registration Link

Join Buffalo’s Black Birders for a special winter bird walk at Niagara Falls State Park with special guest Corina Newsome!

Experience Niagara Falls in the heart of winter—when few people venture out, but birds and ice transform the landscape into something truly extraordinary. Join Buffalo’s Black Birders for a guided walk at Niagara Falls State Park, where towering ice formations cling to the cliffs and frozen spray sculpts the river corridor into a dramatic winter world that most visitors never see.

We’ll begin at Cave of the Winds, descending to the base of the American Falls to watch gulls and ducks fishing in the mist below, amid towering ice, drifting floes, and rushing water. Winter conditions concentrate birds here, offering close-up and unique viewing opportunities you simply can’t get in warmer months.

If time allows, we’ll head upriver to Three Sisters Islands to scan the Niagara River above the brink of the Falls, where less common and occasionally rare gulls often show up in winter.

No prior birding experience is needed—beginners are welcome and encouraged! Dress warmly, expect icy conditions, and come ready to experience Niagara Falls in its wildest season.

Date & Time: February 14th from 2:30pm – 4:00pm

Parking: Niagara Falls State Park Parking Lot #2, 15 Goat Island Rd, Niagara Falls, NY 14303. Parking is free, hit the call button and tell the attendent you are with the festival.

Meeting Location: Beneath “Power Portal” Archway across the road from the parking lot.

Registration Preferred – Registration Link

Join the Feminist Bird Club of Buffalo for birding at Beaver Island State Park. 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. Highlights may include Tundra Swans, Hooded Mergansers, Common Goldeneyes, Common Mergansers, Bufflehead and more. Beginners are welcome, a spotting scope will be provided. The walk will be led by FBC Buffalo member Ruth Goldman and Joe Fell.

Date & Time: February 14th from 4:30 – 6:00pm

Location: Meet at the

Registration Required – Registration Link

Join NYS Parks for Birding at Beaver Island State Park

Join a State Park Naturalist along the beautiful River Lea Trail and observe the beautiful waterfowl that call the Niagara River home for the season.

Birds We Might See: American Black Duck, Canvasback, Redhead, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Bald Eagle, Mallard, Canada Goose

Route Distance: 1-2 miles on flat terrain. May be slippery depending on the weather. Please dress appropriately for the weather.

Level: Beginner friendly

Where to Meet: River Lea Parking Lot

Date & Time: February 15th from 9:00am – 10:30am

Registration Required: Registration Link

Join State Park naturalists and educators for a closer look at migrating birds on the Niagara River. This is a Drop-In Program. Registration is not required. You can drop in anytime between 10am-12pm

• Beaver Island State Park: More Information
• Cave of the Winds: More Information

Join NYS Parks to look for Tundra Swan’s at Beaver Island State Park.

We will scan the Niagara River for diving ducks and swans at several points along the Niagara River. We will begin at the Beaver Island Marina and then we will drive east on Park Road making several stops involving short walks to the river. We will have a spotting scope and a limited number of binoculars for people to use, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own equipment.

Birds We Might See: Bonaparte’s Gull, Herring Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Tundra Swan, Gadwall, American Black Duck, Northern Pintail, Canvasback, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, White-winged Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Bald Eagle, Mallard, Canada Goose

Route Distance: Less than half a mile of walking

Level: Family-friendly, Beginner, Intermidate

Where to Meet: Beaver Island Marina Parking lot

Date & Time: February 15th from 10:00am – 12:00pm

Registration Required – Registration Link

Birds are for everyone! Enjoy a guided, family-friendly trail walk in search of winter birds. We’ll focus on birding with kids (and beginners of any age!) and provide hands-on, fun learning indoors and out! Binoculars will be available to borrow. This program is part of the International Birds on the Niagara Festival.

All ages

Advance registration required.

Tickets: $11 per person; BMS Members receive 10% off

Date & Time: Sunday, February 15th from 10:30pm – 12:00pm

Location: Tifft Nature Preserve

Registration Required: Click HERE

This hands-on workshop will introduce basic photo principles that you can use to capture outstanding bird photos in the field. Learn to control shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and understand how lens choices affect composition.

Please bring your own camera. The first hour will be indoor instruction, then we’ll head outside to put our new skills into practice.

Date & Time: February 16th from 11:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Niagara Falls State Park, NY
Registration Required – Registration Link

Make your own gelli printed collage birds in this artsy workshop offered by Locust Street Art as part of Birds on the Niagara 2026!

Locust Street Art is so excited to participate in the 2026 Birds on the Niagara Festival! Join us on February 15th to make your own Gelli printed collage birds! Students will use gel plates to print colorful designs inspired by a bird of their choosing. These patterned papers will then be used to collage a paper cutout bird!

This workshop is perfect for students of all ages. Please note: students under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

Date: February 15th, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Cost: Pay what you wish

Location: 138 Locust St., Buffalo, NY 14204

Registration Required: Register Here

Join the Joe Fell from the Buffalo Ornithological Society to search for Little Gulls in Lewiston, NY

Lewiston, NY is one of the best spots in North America to see the Little Gull! This species more widespread in Europe and Asia, but has only been documented as a breeding bird in North America since the 1960s. On the Niagara River in winter, flocks of Bonaparte’s Gulls often contain small numbers of these birds. At times, numbers of Little Gull may jump into the double digits, but it is likely we will see 2-3 of these striking birds.

Please bring optics – a scope will be available, but additional scopes are appreciated. Dress for the weather, we will be standing outside and it may be quite cold. There are many restaurants and shops in Lewiston for you to visit before or after your stop at the Lewiston Landing.

This is a drop-in program, but feel free to register so we know you’re planning to come.

Birds We Might See: We will likely see multiple Little Gulls as well as Long-tailed Ducks.

Route Distance: We will be stationary, viewing gulls from the area by the boat launch.

Level: All Levels

Where to Meet: Village of Lewiston Boat Launch at Lewiston Landing Park

Date and Time: Sunday, February 15th from 12:30pm-200pm

Registration Optional: Registration Link

Join NYS Parks in search of waterfowl at Buckhorn Island State Park

Join us for a guided walk as we search for diving ducks and geese along the Niagara River at Buckhorn Island State Park. We will begin at the Woods Creek Kayak Launch parking lot and walk the trail west along the Niagara River. We will have a spotting scope and a limited number of binoculars for people to use, but attendees are encouraged to bring their own equipment.

Birds We Might See: Herring Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Tundra Swan, Gadwall, American Black Duck, Northern Pintail, Canvasback, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Bald Eagle, Mallard, Canada Goose

Date & Time: February 15th from 1:00 – 2:30 pm

Route Distance: 1.5 miles

Level: Family-friendly, Beginner, Intermidate

Where to Meet: Woods Creek Kayak Launch parking lot

Registration Required: Registration Link

Join NYS Parks for a birding walk at Fort Niagara State Park

Happy Birds on the Niagara! This weekend long festival celebrates all the wonderful birds that live and migrate through our region. Join a State Park naturalist for a beginner friendly birding stroll where we will be searching for wildlife and talking about our environment.

Date & Time: Sunday, February 15th from 2 – 3:30pm

Location: South End Parking Lots, Fort Niagara State Park

Registration Required: Registration Link

Join WNY Land Conservancy for a walk at Stella Niagara Preserve!

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.Join Andrew Gaerte with the WNY Land Conservancy on 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.

Date & Time: February 15th from 2:00pm – 3:30pm

Location: Stella Niagara Preserve – Park and meet in the parking lot for the Lewiston Senior Services Center (4361 River Rd, Youngstown, NY 14174)

Registration Required: Registration Link

Join the Feminist Bird Club of Buffalo for birding at Beaver Island State Park. 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. Highlights may include Tundra Swans, Hooded Mergansers, Common Goldeneyes, Common Mergansers, Bufflehead and more. Beginners are welcome, a spotting scope will be provided. The walk will be led by FBC Buffalo member Ruth Goldman and Joe Fell.

Date & Time: February 15th from 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Location: Beaver Island State Park, Grand Island, NY

Registration Required – Registration Link

Join Buffalo Women of Environmental Learning & Leadership (BWELL) for a fun indoor screening!

Join BWELL during Birds on the Niagara 2026 for a screening of LISTERS: A Glimpse into Extreme Birdwatching, a fascinating look at the intense world of competitive birdwatching. The film follows two brothers as they learn about competitive birdwatching and push the limits to see and record as many bird species as possible. Light refreshments will be provided.

Disclaimer: This documentary includes adult language and themes. Viewer discretion is advised for younger audiences.

Indoor Program

Level: All

Where to Meet: Black Rock Riverside Alliance at 52 Amherst St. Buffalo

Date & Time: February 15th from 5pm – 8pm

Registration Required: Click HERE

Join this night hike along woodland trails in search of owls, enhanced by hoots and whistles from your experienced leader. Total walking distance is about 1 mile. Feel free to bring a small flashlight and/or binoculars (but neither is necessary).

Date & Time: February 15th from 6:30 – 8:30pm

Location: Buckhorn Island State Park 

Registration Required: Registration Link

-$5 off Zoo admission

-11am-1pm “All about birds” with docents at the Arctic Interpretive Center

-12pm Bald Eagle Talk (meet our eagles, learn about Eagles & the Niagara River)

Date & Time: Monday, February 16th from 10am-5pm, last entry at 4pm.

Location: 300 Parkside Ave. Buffalo, NY 14214

Join Buffalo Ornithological Society member, Marcus Rosten 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.

Date & Time: February 16th from 9:00am-10:30am

Location: Niagara Falls State Park – Three Sisters Island

Registration Required – Registration Link

Join Feminist Bird Club’s Sarah Metcalfe on a beginner friendly bird walk. We will learn some birding basics while seeing some winter birds!

Date & Time: February 16th from 11:00am-12:00pm

Location: Sheridan Road Boat Launch, Tonawanda, NY

Because of the large buildup of ice at Beaver Island we are switching locations to the outside of the river to take advantage of better views.

Registration Required – Registration Link

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.

Keep the celebration going with BON Canada!

Come out to join or cheer on our exciting competition for live artists to paint birds and celebrate the Birds on the Niagara Festival. The event features 20 incredible artists who will go head-to-head in 3 rounds of live painting with the winners determined by audience vote. As a BON warming station, there will also be vendors and opportunities to buy a unique piece of art during the silent auction. 

Date & Time: February 22nd from 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Location: Canadian Corps Unit 104, 4674 Ferguson Street, Niagara Falls.