Keynote Speaker:
Katie Fallon is the author of the nonfiction books Vulture: The Private Life of an Unloved Bird (2020, 2017) and Cerulean Blues: A Personal Search for a Vanishing Songbird (2011), as well as two books for children. She is a founder of the Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia, a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving the region’s wild birds through research, education, and rehabilitation, and has served as President of the Mountaineer Chapter of the National Audubon Society. A member of the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators, Katie has worked with birds since 1998; over the last twenty years she has given educational presentations featuring live raptors, vultures, parrots, and corvids. She is also a columnist for Bird Watcher’s Digest and has taught writing at West Virginia University, Virginia Tech, and elsewhere. Her first word was “bird.” For more: www.katiefallon.com. |
All registrants receive a copy of Katie Fallon’s book
Vulture: The Private Life of an Unloved Bird Vulture: The Private Life of an Unloved Bird Vultures are often overlooked, underappreciated, and unloved, despite the vital role they play in healthy ecosys- tems. Worldwide, vultures are more likely to be threatened or endangered than any other group of raptors; but in the United States Turkey and Black Vultures may be increasing in number. Based on Katie Fallon’s recent book, this fun presentation will discuss the life and times of the noble Turkey Vulture, including its feeding, nesting, and roosting habits, migratory behaviors, and common misconceptions. |
Good Times:
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Be kind to the environment: remember to bring your own mug. Bird Tally, Dinner and Keynote Address.
Keynote Topic: Vulture: The Private Life of an Unloved Bird
Be kind to the environment: remember to bring your own mug and water bottle. Casual Pizza Party Lunch & Final Bird Tally |
Workshops:Saturday: 1:00 & 3:00 pm
Prior registration or sign up for workshops is not required.
Sign up for the pontoon boat trips will be available at the registration table during the festival. Sign up for field trips will be at the meeting site. |
Field Trips:NEW!
We like to keep our festival cozy: 12 - 15 people per field trip. Sign up will be at the meeting time and site of the trips. Field Trips to Presque Isle's Hottest Birding Spots.
12 - 15 people per trip.
Be kind to the environment: remember to bring your own mug. Trips leaving simultaneously from 6:30 am - 10:30 am at the Rotary Pavilion. Each trip will visit multiple locations throughout the park. |
The mission of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center Foundation is to forge a partnership between the private sector and the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) and Presque Isle in order to enhance educational programming, research, and visitor experience at the highest level.
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Map, Guide, Lodging:![]() For lodging information check out www.visiteriepa.com
![]() What to Bring:
*You are advised to bring boots to the festival since we may have very wet and muddy trails. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes or boots for walking and any birding gear you desire. The average high temperature in Erie in May is 56 and temperatures at Presque Isle are often lower than on the mainland. Be prepared for cold & rainy weather. Presque Isle is home to deer ticks so you may want to bring insect repellent and plan to tuck your pants into your socks when using the trails on the park. |