Mosquito Lake Big Birding Weekend
Friday May 23rd (Opening Night)
Champion High School Auditorium
Doors Open: 5:15 PM
Opening Remarks: 5:45 PM – Naturalist Jason Lee
Free Admission | Registration Encouraged
Join us for an exciting evening as we launch the 3rd Annual Big Birding Weekend! The kickoff will be indoors at the Champion High School Auditorium, the opening night festivities will set the stage for a weekend full of exploration, inspiration, and connection with fellow birders and nature lovers.
6:00 PM – Keynote Speaker: Greg Miller
Known as the “Real Life Birder” portrayed in the hit film The Big Year, Greg Miller has been birding for over 50 years. Inspired at a young age by his father, Greg has birded in all 50 states and across much of Canada. In 1998, while working full-time at a nuclear power plant, Greg chased an ambitious goal: to see over 700 bird species in one calendar year—a legendary feat in the birding world. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and the pure joy of birding.
7:00 PM – Becky Donaldson
Becky Donaldson, Mentor Marsh Naturalist with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, for an illustrated presentation on the transformation of Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve. Learn how large-scale restoration efforts have brought biodiversity back to life—plants, insects, birds, and more. Becky will also share insights into other protected lands stewarded by the Museum and why this work matters more than ever.
8:00 PM – Dr. Sean Williams, Ph.D.
Ecologist, ornithologist, and naturalist Dr. Sean Williams of Cuyahoga Community College brings a global perspective to the evening with research that spans from radar-based migration tracking to behavioral studies in the Peruvian Amazon. With a passion for uncovering the mechanisms behind large-scale biodiversity changes, Dr. Williams offers a compelling blend of science and fieldwork. His presentation, “Birding During Migration: Making Decisions Based on Science and Technology,” will delve into how understanding the biological and environmental drivers of bird migration can help birders strategically choose the right hotspots during peak seasons. Discover how science and technology can guide your birding decisions during spring and fall migrations.
Closing Remarks to Follow
Naturalist Jason Lee will return to the stage to conclude the evening with final thoughts and provide directions and highlights for Saturday and Sunday’s packed schedule of hikes, talks, and birding adventures.
Email Naturalist Jason Lee with questions at [email protected]
