THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING A WORLD-CLASS MIGRATION SPECTACLE ON LAKE ERIE
Every spring, northwest Ohio becomes the epicenter of birdwatching during The Biggest Week in American Birding, a 10-day period celebrating peak songbird migration along the Lake Erie shoreline. Hosted by the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, the event attracts birders from across the country to witness colorful warblers and hundreds of migrating species at hotspots like Magee Marsh Wildlife Area. The 2026 season runs May 8–17 and features guided bird walks, bird identification workshops, keynote presentations, and family-friendly activities. biggestweekinamericanbirding.com
BIRD WALKS & DAY TRIPS EXPLORE NORTHWEST OHIO’S BEST BIRDING HOT SPOTS
Experience the incredible spring migration with a series of guided Bird Walks & Day Trips hosted by The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium. Led by resident ornithologist Brittany Leick‐Laird, these outings explore some of the region’s most celebrated birding destinations along Lake Erie’s shoreline. Walks are scheduled on Saturday, Apr. 4 from 9 am–12pm, Saturday, April 18 from 9–11 am, and Thursday, Apr. 23 from 10:30 am–12 pm Registration is required. 2 Hippo Way. toledozoo.org/birding/birding-day-trips
SPRING LECTURE SERIES – THE LOSS OF THE CLOUGH
Discover a dramatic chapter of Great Lakes history during the Spring Lecture Series at the National Museum of the Great Lakes. Shipwreck researcher Chris Kraska will present The Unfinished Sinking—Exploration, Discovery, and an Unexpected Tragedy, sharing the story of a recently discovered shipwreck tied to the historic loss of the Clough. The program is free and offered both in person and online via Zoom, though registration is required. Wednesday, April 15, 7–8:30 pm. National Museum of the Great Lakes, 1701 Front St. nmgl.org
MUSIC IN GREEN SPACES OPERA UNDER THE OPEN SKY
Enjoy an evening of beautiful music in nature during the Music in Green Spaces concert series at Wildwood Preserve Metropark. Presented as part of Opera ’Round Town, the performances feature talented resident artists from Toledo Opera singing beloved selections from the classical repertoire alongside musical theater favorites and American standards. Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket and relax on the front lawn of the Manor House. In case of rain, the performance will move indoors to the Manor House. No registration required. Wednesdays – April 22, Apr. 29, May 6, May 13, and May 20, 6-7pm. Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. metroparkstoledo.com
