The Birds in the Hills Festival features a variety of habitats for you to explore, including reclaimed prairie, early successional forest, and mature hardwoods. This allows for a diverse and exciting array of bird species to be observed.

Bird species that attendees may encounter include various warblers such as worm-eating, hooded, cerulean, black-throated green, prothonotary, blue-winged, magnolia, and blackburnian. Other notable species include the hermit thrush, rose-breasted grosbeak, and wood thrush.

Schedule of Events

6:30-7:30 a.m. - Dawn Chorus Bird Walk with Emma Loomis-Amrhein

Start your day off right with an early morning walk around camp catching the first songs and calls of the day as the canopy of the forest wakes up.

7:30 a.m.-11 a.m. - Morning Birding Outing with Joe Brehm

Spend the morning exploring the lesser known trails of Hocking Hills on this guided birding session with Joe Brehm. Transportation not included, carpooling is encouraged!

8-9 a.m. - Breakfast in Dining Hall

9:30 a.m.- noon - Birding for all! A guided bird walk with Nandini Stockton

We will explore a variety of habitats to look and listen for birds and will identify them by sight and song. Bring along your binoculars if you have them and your best pair of listening ears. This walk is for all level borders and hikers!

11 a.m.-12 p.m. - A Discussion About Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza by Timothy McDermott DVM

Abstract: The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak is now in its third year and has had profound effects in Ohio. Come learn about how it started, what is going on right now in Ohio, and how you can keep your birds safe.

12-1 p.m. - Meet Owl Capone the Barred Owl!

That's right, a real Owl will be making an appearance at the festival! Join Hocking Hills State Parks to get up close and personal with Owl Capone the Barred Owl

12:30-1:30 p.m. - Lunch in Dining Hall

2-3 p.m. - Flying Heron Qigong

Qigong, or Chi Gong is the art of restoring balance and harmony to one's life through movement and breath. Flying Heron is a series of exercises modeled after the Great Blue Heron, while its overall effects are far reaching, it is specifically beneficial to the circulation of energy through the scapula, upper spine, neck and head. A positive mindset and applied intention towards physical, mental and spiritual well being are most important. The movements are gentle, done in a standing position and are appropriate for all body types and skill levels. This will be an outdoor session.

2-3 p.m. - Drink your Teeea! An Herbal Tea and Tincture Tasting Workshop

Learn more about local herbal plants that can be made into teas and tinctures with Joe Brehm.

2-3:30 p.m. - Warblers and Cowbirds

A fun game for families that demonstrates nest parasitism and its impact on bird populations.

3-5 p.m. - Drumming Circle by Lawrence Greene

Join in on the fun with this playful Pan-African educational drumming circle. You will learn the beats and rhythms that span across the content while hearing stories and information about the instruments we use.

5:30-6:30 p.m. - Dinner and Keynote in Dining Hall

8-11 p.m. - Chucks, Whips, and Moths, Oh My!

Come along as we explore the mysteries, sights, and sounds of the nighttime forest. Beneath the moonlight, we'll uncover the intricate patterns and fascinating behaviors of moths, while listening to the calls of the Chuck-Will's-Widow and Whippoorwills—nocturnal birds that belong to the Nightjar family.

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