It’s your chance to see rare birds in Northwest Ohio during Biggest Week in American Birding festival

OREGON, Ohio (WTVG) – Bird is the word here in Northwest Ohio as people travel from across the country and even the world for the Biggest Week in American Birding festival.

Northwest Ohio contains the warbler capital of the world and birders are flocking to the birding festival to see a large variety of species as they migrate through out area.

Birders say having so many bird enthusiasts in one place feels like one big family reunion.

“It is seeing friends from all over the world,” said Katie Andersen, a birder at the festival. “Once a year this is our big party, big get together and it really carries me throughout the rest of the year.”

Andersen traveled here from Pennsylvania and is a volunteer who guides people on bird walks.

She said she never goes anywhere without her binoculars.

“There are birds no matter where you go,” Andersen said.

The Black Swamp Bird Observatory hosts the birding festival, which features a variety of speakers, vendors, and bird walks from now until May 12.

India Hobbs, a birder from Cleveland said that she loved hearing the keynote about diversifying birding.

She said her one advice for people who haven’t gone birdwatching is to try it out.

“Try it. Definitely if you’re someone who’s not your typical birder … I think it’s a hobby that everyone should enjoy and to learn about not only the beauty of the birds but the conservation as well,” Hobbs said.

Gary Peters is a local to Northwest Ohio. He photographs birds and is an avid member of several birdwatching groups.

“There aren’t a lot of disabled people that I know doing it, let alone leading it,” Peters said.

He started becoming a guide at the Biggest Week in American Birding this year, leading accessible birding walks.

“We want to get as many disabled people as we can,” Peters said.

As the festival continues, the community encourages people to come out.

“There’s a place for everyone in birding,” Andersen said.

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