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Fall migration is well underway, and that means the autumn season for birding festivals is upon us. September offers birders plenty of opportunities to visit a festival (or two). No fewer than 19 of the events are slated for the month in the United States, Canada, and elsewhere.

Below you can learn more about birding festivals slated for the first half of September. And check back soon for a list of events taking place later in the month. Enjoy!

September 7-9
Hummingbird Migration and Nature Celebration

One of the Southeast’s biggest nature festivals, the Hummingbird Migration and Nature Celebration, in Holly Springs, Mississippi, brings renowned guest speakers, live animal shows, up-close views of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds being banded and released, and more. Visit the website.

September 7-9
Whooping Crane Festival

This event in Princeton, Wisconsin, provides programming for all ages with entertainer David Stokes, educational workshops, field trips, and more. The organizer, Operation Migration, is closing later this year, so this will be its final festival. Visit the website.

September 8-9
Audubon Society of Rhode Island Raptor Weekend

Owls, hawks, and falcons are descending on Bristol, Rhode Island, for this event, billed as “New England’s largest celebration of raptors.” There will be live flight demonstrations and more opportunities to see birds of prey up close. Visit the website.

September 13-16
HummerBird Celebration

The 30th Annual HummerBird Celebration is a fun, educational, and inspiring weekend designed for anyone who loves hummingbirds. It’s held in Rockport-Fulton, Texas. Visit the website.

September 13-16
Migratory Bird Festival of the North Shore

The 10th edition of the Migratory Bird Festival, in Tadoussac, Quebec, will offer enhanced programming, more excursions, photo workshops, public lectures, and superb documentaries. Visit the website.

September 14-16
Puget Sound Bird Fest

Puget Sound Bird Fest in Edmonds, Washington, is an annual fall celebration of birds and nature found on the beautiful shores of Puget Sound. The three-day event includes speakers, guided walks, land- and water-based field trips, exhibits, and educational activities for children and adults. Visit the website.

September 14-17
Hawai’i Island Festival of Birds

The Hawai’I Island Festival of Birds is dedicated to celebrating the role of birds in Hawaiin culture and to help preserve threatened native species. Visit the website.

September 15
Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration

The Feliciana Hummingbird Celebration promotes the unique breeding habitat found in the St. Francisville, Louisiana, area. The event provides the opportunity to observe hummingbirds up close. Visit the website.

September 15-16 and 22-23
Festival of Hawks

Join experts from the Holiday Beach Migration Observatory in Amherstburg, Ontario, to watch thousands of birds of prey fly overhead. There will also be free programs hosted by local experts, and participants can see hawks and owls up close. Visit the website.

Know of other birding festivals taking place? Add them to our online calendar! 

 

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Originally Published August 29, 2018