Black River Audubon
Speaker’s Bureau

Black River Audubon is available for community talks, interviews and events. Choose from a variety of presentations or suggest a topic. There is no charge, though donations are appreciated.

Birding in Lorain County- Explore the joys of birding close to home! This program introduces the basics of bird identification, local hotspots, and the simple tools and techniques that make birding both rewarding and accessible. We’ll discuss the difference between birdwatching and birding, as well as important topics like conservation and birding ethics. Whether you’re new to the hobby or looking to deepen your local knowledge, you’ll discover how rich and diverse Lorain County’s birdlife can be.

Birding in the Bog- A place on most birders’ bucket list, Gina Swindell shares information, photos, and stories about birding in Sax-Zim Bog, Minnesota. The site is famous for birds like the Great Grey Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal chickadee and more.

Leave the Leaves- Explore the ecological benefits of leaving fallen leaves in your yard instead of raking them away. Learn how leaf litter provides essential habitat for pollinators, enriches soil health, and supports local wildlife while reducing waste and labor. Discover simple ways to embrace this natural process for a healthier, more sustainable landscape.

Backyard Birds and Blooms- Discover how to make your yard come alive with birds, butterflies, and other wildlife! Learn how native plants provide essential food, shelter, and nesting resources for birds and pollinators throughout the seasons. We’ll explore which plants offer the greatest benefits, how to create habitat in any size space, and simple steps to make your backyard a thriving sanctuary for nature.

Bird Tales: Fascinating Facts and Stories from the Sky- Join us for an entertaining and informal exploration of the fascinating world of birds! This session blends fun stories, surprising facts, short videos, and lively bird trivia to celebrate the diversity and personality of our feathered friends. You’ll discover just how funny, clever, and relatable birds can be—from their family dynamics to their daily routines. Whether you’re a casual nature lover or a dedicated birder, this program promises plenty of laughs, learning, and a renewed appreciation for the amazing lives of birds.

Bluebirds- Delight in the world of the Eastern Bluebird—one of our most beloved native songbirds. In this session, you’ll learn about their fascinating lives: where they nest, what they eat, and how they raise their young. We’ll cover how to create and properly manage bluebird nest boxes, from placement and predator protection to seasonal cleaning and monitoring.

Cromwell Park- Black River Audubon Society led an advocacy effort to protect Cromwell Park in Lorain from being converted into a race track. Although the attempt was not ultimately successful, the campaign underscored the importance of civic engagement, environmental awareness, and standing up for local green spaces. This presentation reflects on what was learned, how the effort unfolded, and why protecting parks and natural habitats remains vital for birds, wildlife, and the community.

65 Years of Conservation: The Story of Black River Audubon-
Celebrate more than six decades of local conservation and community impact. This presentation highlights Black River Audubon Society’s 65-year history of protecting wildlife, restoring habitats, and inspiring people to care for the natural world. From early grassroots beginnings to modern projects like Motus wildlife tracking towers and habitat restoration partnerships, discover how one small chapter has made a big difference for birds and nature across Lorain County—and what’s next for the future of conservation in our community.

Bird Conservation: Where Have All the Birds Gone?- Since 1970, North America has lost nearly 3 billion birds, a staggering decline that affects ecosystems and communities alike. This presentation explores why bird populations are shrinking, the key threats driving these losses, and—most importantly—what each of us can do to help reverse the trend. Learn about successful conservation efforts, simple actions that make a difference, and how protecting birds helps sustain the planet we all share.

The Wonders of Warblers- Northwest Ohio is world-renowned as “The Warbler Capital of the World.” Each spring, this region bursts with color and song as dozens of species of warblers migrate through on their journey north. Join us to learn what makes these tiny, energetic birds so extraordinary—where they come from, how to identify them, and why birders travel from around the world to experience this migration phenomenon. Whether you’re new to birding or a lifelong enthusiast, you’ll discover why warbler season is one of nature’s true wonders.

Bird Photography: Capturing the Beauty of Birds-
Photographing birds can be both rewarding and challenging. In this session, learn practical tips and techniques for capturing stunning images of birds in the wild — from camera settings and lighting to composition and field approach. We’ll discuss how to photograph birds ethically and responsibly, ensuring their safety while achieving your best shots. Whether you’re using a smartphone or professional gear, this class will help you take your bird photography to the next level and deepen your appreciation for these beautiful subjects.

Birding Isn't Easy- The trials and tribulations and pitfalls and mayhem that await all birders on their path to birding glory. Learn tricks birds use to make humans feel stupid. This presentation should be helpful to new birders, and entertaining to veteran ones.

Contact: blackriveraudubon@gmail.org or 440-541-9170
Please complete: Speaker Request Form

BRAS Book Library: Black River Audubon has a library of books available to borrow on a variety of subjects. If you see a title that you can use on an upcoming trip or that you would just like to look over, contact Gina Swindell at ginaswindell@roadrunner.com.

Thank you to all of our members & friends who have donated books to Black River Audubon Society! View: BRAS Library Titles