"Excellent, knowledgeable guides. Very patient. Excellent presentations of various nature as well as birding topics. Would highly recommend this event to any birder, experienced or not." - Repeat Visitor

April 28 - May 3, 2025 Festival Registration is Open

Since 2002, the annual New River Birding & Nature Festival takes place in and around the New River Gorge National River in the heart of the upland, hardwood forests that Cornell Lab of Ornithology identified as a crucial stopover habitat for the continued survival of species such as Golden-winged, Blue-winged, and Swainson's Warbler, as well as the Scarlet Tanager. Our bird and nature watching festival highlights more than 100 bird species on a variety of daily birding tours.

It's our favorite week of the year and we like to think of it as a five-star nature vacation where you nurture your mind and body by connecting with nature in the fresh spring air of the Appalachian Mountains.

You won't find rows of vendor tables with cool stuff from interesting places. You will find dinner tables with all kinds of folks from all sorts of places who enjoy exploring the phenomena of the physical world. A friendly bird and nature watching vacation for everyone, we offer a variety of daily guided birding and nature excursions, world-class speakers, the finest collection of guides, tasty food, and a back-porch atmosphere unmatched by any other birding festival. Signature guided bird watching experiences include opportunities to visit a wide range of habitats, world class instruction for those wanting to enhance their skills, and the best guide-to-guest ratio on the festival circuit. All skill levels are welcome. 

Our inclusive packages range from deluxe cabin accommodations to lodging on your own. Each day offers a great field trip, three tasty meals, two knowledge and fun packed presentations, world-class folks you may get to know as friends, and good times.

As a non-profit fundraising event, the Festival is the major funding source for the local 501C3 Fayette County Education Fund, Inc. Since the Festival's inception, participation supports the Fund's student environmental and leadership training programs. Learn more: Who We Support

Planning your five-star nature vacation begins here:

Birding & Nature Festival

Check out the Speaker & Trip Schedule and refer to Trip Descriptions to choose your daily destinations.

Review Lodging options and choose your favorite or try something new.

Go to Registration to personalize and reserve your package.

Just to build anticipation - Meet the professional Trip Leaders and read some Birder Chatter

Get to know what makes us tick - Learn more About Us and Who We Support

Then get ready - Check out Trip Planning and What To Pack

FUTURE DATES: 

2025, Apr 28 - May 3

2026, Apr 27 - May 2 

DONATIONS:

Learn more about the Fayette County Education Fund, or click here to make a donation.

REGISTRATION PAYMENTS:

Deposit & Payment Details are found at birding-wv/registration - Deposit & Payments.

 

Be in the Know with Our Monthly Email Bulletin

We do not share our email list with anyone. Ever.

Click here to view our bulletin archive, for this Festival year.

 

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Hummingbirds can fly backwards and hover in place. For people, backwards walking (aka retro-walking) is found to have physical and cognitive benefits! How 'bout we bird backwards? ... Anyone?