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Pittsburgh’s parks take flight toward a bird-friendly future on May 10 

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day at the Frick Environmental Center with a morning full of bird-inspired fun. 

PITTSBURGH – April 28, 2025 – The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy today announced plans to host a community celebration in honor of World Migratory Bird Day at the Frick Environmental Center on Saturday, May 10. The free, family-friendly event is part of a global initiative to protect migratory bird populations and will highlight simple, everyday actions residents can take to help create more bird-friendly communities. 

The day kicks off bright and early with Early Birding with the Intersectional Bird Club of Pittsburgh, followed by guided morning bird walks led by Bob Mulvihill of the National Aviary and local birder Eric Hall. Participants can expect to hear the songs of migrating warblers and spot a wide variety of species as they pass through Frick Park—one of the region’s top birding destinations. Advance registration is required for birding walks. For families with young children, Jr. Garden Buds Storytime will offer hands-on fun with story sharing and vegetable planting in the From Slavery to Freedom Garden. 

“Early May is one of the peak times for spring bird migration in Pittsburgh—especially for songbirds,” said Stephen Bucklin, naturalist educator and mycologist for the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. “Pittsburgh's location along the Appalachian Flyway makes it a prime stopover site, and local parks like Frick Park offer rich habitats where migrating birds can rest and refuel. Early mornings in May are often filled with birdsong, and birders can spot dozens of species in just a few hours.” 

The main event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and does not require registration. Activities will span the lawn, classrooms, and surrounding areas of the Frick Environmental Center and will feature an array of exciting, bird-themed programming presented in partnership with local organizations including the National Aviary, Pittsburgh Park Rangers, Bird Lab, and the Allegheny Bird Conservation Alliance. 

The event places a strong emphasis on inclusivity with its program, Accessible Birding, which welcomes individuals of all abilities to enjoy birdwatching.  During this guided trek, guests can explore the newly designed ADA-compliant Outdoor Discovery Space and Sensory Nature Trail, which leads to an elevated deck—offering an enhanced view of migratory birds among the tree canopy. 

Other highlights include Virtual Bird Banding with Bird Lab founder Nick G. Liadis, featuring a live Q&A about bird tracking and conservation; a Bird Beak Challenge with the National Aviary, where guests can discover how different birds use their beaks to feed; an Egg Matching Game with the Pittsburgh Park Rangers that will teach guests about the variety of bird eggs found in the region; and Discovery Time activities with interactive educational tables. 

Guests can also stay for the afternoon to enjoy Bird-Friendly Initiatives in Pittsburgh: Exhibition + Talk, hosted by Bird Lab and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. The exhibit showcases innovative bird-friendly designs that protect migratory birds and includes a lecture about simple steps attendees can take to help make their homes and neighborhoods more bird-friendly.  

Finally, visitors will also learn how to make their homes and neighborhoods more welcoming to migrating birds with Allegheny GoatScape, DarkSky International, BirdSafe Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy naturalist educators, and Building New Hope.  

“By taking simple actions like turning off lights at night, planting native species, and making windows more visible to prevent bird collisions, anyone can help make their community more bird-friendly,” said Bucklin. “We’re excited to spread the word about ways we can come together as a community to better appreciate migrating birds.” 

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just bird-curious, World Migratory Bird Day is a great opportunity to connect with nature and join a global movement to protect migratory birds—right here in Pittsburgh. To view the agenda and register for select events, visit pittsburghparks.org/world-migratory-bird-day. 

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About Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy:  
The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy was founded in December 1996 by a group of citizens concerned with the deteriorating conditions of Pittsburgh’s historic city parks. A non-profit organization, the Parks Conservancy works closely with the City of Pittsburgh under an official public-private partnership agreement to restore and improve the city’s park system to its full potential. To date, the Parks Conservancy has raised more than $150 million and completed 23 major park improvement projects. The Parks Conservancy works with thousands of volunteers, hosts hundreds of events, and provides programming for more than 7,500 children annually.  

Bethany Wells  
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy  
412.956.0788              
bwells@pittsburghparks.org