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Renowned author Pete Dunne will deliver the festival's keynote address, "25 Things that Changed Birding," on Friday evening. He will lead a bird walk
Saturday morning; on Saturday afternoon, he will host a workshop titled "The Art of Pishing."

Thursday will include a live raptor and animal demonstration in addition to bird-watching kayak trips; a "frequent flier" card will give visitors a chance to win a prize; for more information, check out www.onancockbirding.com

Witness incredible numbers of a multitude of bird species congregated for their flight to the tropics

Enjoy the wildlife of the Eastern Shore on one of our many guided hikes or boat trips

Savor the excitement of "Talons! A Bird of Prey Experience" with Master Falconer Lorrie Schumacher

Great activities for children

Wonderful opportunities for wildlife photographers

Eastern Shore of Virginia

September 18-21, 2008
[Updated: July 29, 2008]

The wilds of Virginia's Eastern Shore will wow birders and nature lovers alike. Whether it's a hike on an untamed barrier island or boat tour to the shore's secret places, this festival celebrates one of nature's most amazing spectacles.

During the fall migration, millions of neotropical songbirds along with eagles, hawks and falcons converge on the Eastern Shore peninsula.

Tucked between the broad waters of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, this patchwork of farms, forest, marshes and creeks provides an incredible opportunity to experience these winged wonders in the most tranquil of settings.

This four-day festival includes a variety of fascinating guided boat and land tours suitable for adventurers of all ages.

Escape to the Cape exploring pine forests to beaches where songbirds and monarch butterflies refuel before crossing the Bay. Scope out rarely seen land bird species smack in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay on the incredible Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel span and its man-made islands.

A boat with an experienced guide is the only way to discover the Eastern Shore's chain of remote seaside islands. Climb aboard and observe numerous shorebirds and peregrine falcons soaring above in this United Nation-designated International Biosphere Reserve.

Exciting workshops and exhibits will be hosted in the historic bayside town of Cape Charles whose warm Southern welcome will provide attendees with lovely accommodations, shops and plenty of relaxing restaurants to fuel up between activities.

This year enjoy the launch of the festival in the quaint harbor town of Onancock with a free raptor and wildlife demonstration at the town gazebo, a presentation of "Bird-Filming Tales" by nature documentarians Michael Male and Judy Fieth, as well as kayaking adventures in the jewel of Onancock Creek, Parkers Marsh Natural Area Preserve and more. For more details about Thursday activities, go to www.onancockbirding.com.

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