Headlands Birding Festival Returns to Mentor with World Record Birder as Keynote Speaker

Published: May 8, 2026 - 9:08 p.m.

By Sandra Anderson

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MENTOR, OHIO — The Headlands Birding Festival is set to return to the shores of Lake Erie next year, bringing together naturalists and casual observers for a three-day exploration of one of the region's most active migratory paths. The event is scheduled for Sept. 18-20, 2026, and is primarily centered at Headlands Beach State Park, which hosts the longest natural beach in the state. Lake County serves as a critical stopover for birds traveling thousands of miles toward South America. Local records show that 352 distinct species have been documented in the area. According to data provided by the city of Mentor, the unique geography of the Headlands and Mentor Marsh region creates a high-volume corridor for diverse avian populations during the autumn months. The festival begins on Friday evening with a welcome reception at the Springbrook Gardenhouse. This year's keynote speaker is Peter Kaestner, a world-renowned birder who holds the distinction of being the first person to document 10,000 different species. His presentation will lead into a weekend filled with field-based activities across several Lake Metroparks locations. Saturday's schedule includes a birding boat trip along the Lake Erie coast and guided walks through various local habitats. These tours will take place at Lake Erie Bluffs, Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve, Mentor Lagoons and the Holden Arboretum. Experts will lead afternoon sessions covering bird identification techniques and the role of technology in modern field research. Between noon and 4 p.m., the festival grounds at Headlands will feature nature-themed vendors and food trucks for the public. The final day of the festival focuses on active conservation and observation. Sunday highlights include a flight watch at Lake Erie Bluffs and live bird-banding demonstrations. These sessions allow attendees to see the scientific process behind tracking migratory patterns and understanding local habitat health. A broad coalition of local organizations hosts the festival, including the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Blackbrook Audubon Society, and the Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. The event is supported by Verdantas and other regional business partners. Registration for the 2026 Headlands Birding Festival is scheduled to open on July 1. Those interested in attending can find more information and sign-up details at the official festival website. -------------------- At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.