Fernald Preserve Winter Bird Fest 2026

Audubon SO is spreading the word about an upcoming event that many members may find interesting happening at Fernald Preserve.  In support we are providing refreshments for the Fest.

Fernald Preserve Winter Bird Fest 2026

Join fellow bird-lovers and nature fans at the 2nd Annual Winter Bird Fest held at the
Fernald Preserve, February 7-14. This free week-long event features a menu of events geared for bird-lovers of all ages, from Family Day, nature walks and birdwatching activities to hands-on educational opportunities, special guest performances and presentations, and even bird identification and banding. Winter Bird Fest is your chance to see and learn more about our feathered friends and bring the family for a host of fun activities! For registration, email Fernald at: fernald@lm.doe.gov

All programs begin at the Fernald Preserve Visitors Center atrium unless otherwise specified. Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise noted. Off-site program registration information is provided in the program descriptions, available on request.

Saturday, Feb. 7

• Waterfowl Walk with Luke Thies: 8-9 a.m.
• Birders’ Social — tea and coffee provided by Cincinnati Audubon Society (registration not required): 9:30-10 a.m.
• The Raptors of Spring Grove Cemetery Presentation with Jordan West, Community Meeting Room: 10-11 a.m.
• Bird Banding Demonstration — drop-in program behind the visitors center (registration not required): 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Birding Basics with Frances Boyens, Community Meeting Room: 11-11:30 a.m.
• Birds and Botany Walk with the Midwest Native Plant Society: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
• It’s for the Birds — Build a Birdhouse Off-site Program with MetroParks of Butler County: 1-2:30 p.m.
• Fernald History and Exhibits Tour with Reilly Earhart (registration not required):12:30-1:15 p.m. and 1:15-2 p.m.
• Merlin Sound ID and Birding by Ear Presentation and Walk with Brian Wulker, Community Meeting Room: 2-3:30 p.m.
• Introduction to Bird Identification with Ash Conway, Community Meeting Room: 4-5 p.m.
• Short-eared Owl Walk with Fernald Staff: 5:15-6:30 p.m.
• Birds of the Oxbow Presentation with Jon Seymore of Oxbow Inc, Community Meeting Room: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 8 –- FAMILY DAY

• Music Concert with Chris Rowlands (registration not required), Community Meeting Room: 1-2 p.m.
• Science and Art Stations (registration not required): 1-5 p.m.
• All About Eagles! Interactive Program with Neil Baker from the Ohio Division of Wildlife (registration not required): 2:30-3 p.m.
• Art Lesson with Chris Rowlands, Community Meeting Room: 3-4 p.m.
• Owl Walk for Families with Fernald Staff: 5:15-6 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 9

• Visitors Center Special Event Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 10

• Visitors Center Special Event Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Owl Prowl Off-site walk with MetroParks of Butler County: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 11

• Birds of the Preserve Walk with Luke Thies: 8-11 a.m.
• Fernald History and Exhibits Tour with Reilly Earhart (registration not required): 12:30-1:15 p.m. and 1:15- 2 p.m.
• Short-eared Owl Walk with Fernald Staff: 5:15-6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 12

• Fernald History and Exhibits Tour with Reilly Earhart (registration not required): 12:30 -1:15 p.m. and 1:15-2 p.m.
• A Big Year on a Budget Presentation with Connor Fox, Community Meeting Room: 6-7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 13

• Waterfowl ID Workshop and Walk with Luke Thies, Community Meeting Room: 8-10 a.m.
• Winter Birding Walk with Wayne Wauligman of Oxbow Inc: 10 a.m.-Noon
• Fernald History and Exhibits Tour with Reilly Earhart (registration not required): 12:30-1:15 p.m. and 1:15-2 p.m.
• Birding Basics with Frances Boyens, Community Meeting Room: 4:30-5 p.m.
• Accessible Owl Watching with Fernald Staff: 5:15-6:30 p.m.
• Adult Science Night — Owl Pellet Dissection with Fernald staff, Community Meeting Room: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 14

• Sparrows of Fernald Presentation and Walk with Jim McCormac, Community Meeting Room: 8-11 a.m.
• Birding Walk at Bortz Family Preserve Off-site Walk with Jack Stenger of Cardinal Land Conservancy: 9 a.m.
• All About Owls Live Raptors Program with Raptor Inc, Community Meeting Room: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Fernald History and Exhibits Tour with Reilly Earhart (registration not required): 12:30-1:15 p.m. and 1:15-2 p.m.
• Love in the Garden (adults only) Presentation with Carol Mundy, Community Meeting Room: 2-3:30 p.m.
• The Love Lives of Birds Virtual Presentation hosted at Fernald with Laura Erickson, Community Meeting Room and online (register to receive a link!): 3:30-4:30 p.m.
• On-Site Disposal Facility Sunset Owl Walk with Fernald Staff: 5-6:30 p.m.

For more information & registration please email Fernald@lm.doe.gov.