The Biggest Week in American Birding
The Biggest Week in American Birding is back from May 8-17, 2026!
Location: Northwest Ohio
Duration: 10-Day Festival
The Biggest Week in American Birding is a 10-day festival in northwest Ohio where visitors immerse themselves in the spectacular spring songbird migration. Recognized as one of the top birding events in North America, the festival offers unforgettable experiences for both beginning and seasoned birders.
Festival Highlights
Guests can participate in:
- Bird identification workshops
- Guided birding hikes and walks
- Beginning birder outings
- Birding by kayak, canoe, and boat
- Field trips to see American Woodcock
- Birding walks at Magee Marsh
- Keynote presentations
- A Birder’s Marketplace
- Evening socials and networking events
Please note: Festival events sell out early each year. Visit biggestweekinamericanbirding.com for a full list of events open to the public.
Warblers… The Stars of the Show
Each spring, northwest Ohio becomes a birding epicenter as flocks of songbirds and waterfowl arrive during migration. The true highlight for many visitors is the small but mighty warbler, weighing less than half an ounce.
Birders from across the country gather along the famous boardwalk at Magee Marsh, binoculars and cameras in hand, hoping to spot that one elusive warbler still missing from their life list. Seeing these colorful songbirds at eye level is a rare and unforgettable experience.
Why Northwest Ohio Is a Birding Mecca
According to the Black Swamp Observatory, northwest Ohio is one of the best places in North America to witness spring migration. Lake Erie acts as a natural barrier, causing migrating birds to gather along the southern shoreline to rest and refuel before crossing the water.
Because trees are just beginning to bud during peak migration, visibility is exceptional. Birders may observe up to 20 species of warblers, along with thrushes, vireos, flycatchers, orioles, eagles, and shorebirds.
Whether you are new to birding or a lifelong enthusiast, The Biggest Week in American Birding offers a world-class wildlife experience right here in northwest Ohio.
You can learn more about The Biggest Week in American Birding in our blog!
