Birds, Birders, and Bipartisan Bridges

Every spring, Northwest Ohio transforms into one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in North America.  For a few short weeks, millions of migratory birds funnel through the region on their journey north, filling the skies, marshes, forests, shorelines, and parks with song and color. People in the tens of thousands travel from around the world to see the birds, add to their Life Lists, and be in community with fellow avian enthusiasts. 

Organized by Black Swamp Bird Observatory, the Biggest Week in American Birding is a bucket-list event showcasing Northwest Ohio as the “Warbler Capital of the World” and one of the premier birding destinations in North America. The event brings together birders of all skill levels—from first-time visitors to lifelong birders, conservation professionals, photographers, researchers, and families discovering the joy of birds for the first time. The recent 2026 festival once again demonstrated that birds connect people to nature, to each other, and to the places that sustain both birds and communities. Indeed, tourism driven by spring migration and the festival are economic drivers for local communities and businesses. 

I spent time with birders, conservationists, elected officials, students, families, and Audubon supporters throughout the festival. I was reminded that birding is about much more than spotting a rare species. It’s also about building community through shared interest and purpose. I was inspired by the many Audubon chapters’ members at Biggest Week, attending events, participating in bird walks, and sharing their excitement for conservation across the region. Audubon chapters play a vital role in growing the birding community through education, advocacy, habitat stewardship, and creating opportunities for people to connect with birds close to home. They are the epitome of communities that match passion for birds with action for birds. 

Another festival highlight was meeting Killian Sullivan, American Bird Association’s 2025 Young Birder of the Year. Killian’s enthusiasm and passion for birds serves as an example of the powerful next generation of conservation leaders. Killian is an active member of the Ohio Young Birders Club and leads bird walks at Grange Insurance Audubon Center in Columbus, Ohio. Despite his impressive Life List, Biggest Week still offered a new bird for Killian: his first Yellow-headed Blackbird. His birdy joy and commitment give me hope for the future of birds and the places they depend on. 

Birding as a bipartisan bridge. 

Biggest Week also highlighted growing bipartisan recognition of the importance of birds and habitat conservation. 

Ahead of the festival, Indiana Governor Mike Braun joined Audubon Great Lakes for a bird walk at Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area to discuss the importance of wetlands, migratory birds, and the value of Indiana’s H2Ohio water quality program. Wetlands restored and protected through programs like H2Ohio provide critical habitat for birds while helping improve water quality, reduce flooding, and strengthen community resilience. 

During the festival, Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine also hosted a bird walk, highlighting Ohio’s strong connection to bird conservation and outdoor recreation. The participation of elected leaders throughout the week underscored the growing recognition that protecting habitat and supporting conservation benefits both wildlife and communities. 

At the federal level, Representative Marcy Kaptur and Congressman Bob Latta introduced legislation recognizing this special time of year as National Birding Week—an acknowledgement of the cultural, ecological, and economic importance of bird migration and birding communities across the country. 

These moments matter because birds are facing significant challenges. Habitat loss, climate change, and environmental degradation continue to contribute to widespread bird declines across North America. Yet gatherings like the Biggest Week in American Birding remind us that there are also tremendous momentum, partnership, and passion dedicated to protecting the places birds need. Places we all need. 

With another memorable Biggest Week in the books, we are grateful to everyone who made the festival possible—from volunteers and organizers at Black Swamp Bird Observatory to conservation partners, elected leaders, local businesses, Audubon chapters, and the thousands of birders who continue to show up year after year. See you next spring!