The 2nd Annual Bird-Friendly Buffalo Symposium, sponsored by the Buffalo Audubon Society, will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the University at Buffalo South Campus (403 Hayes Hall) from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is intended to inspire people to help migratory and local birds through the cultivation of bird-friendly programming and infrastructure.
- 5:30 p.m. Explore tables from local environmental and birding organizations
- 6:30 – 8 p.m. Symposium event
This year’s Symposium, presented in partnership with City of Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan, coincides with spring migration. Therefore, one of the most important things that people can do is to adhere to “Lights Out” policies that help millions of birds to successfully migrate through Western New York – a globally significant Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).
There are approximately a billion birds killed each year due to window collisions in the United States alone.
Featured speakers include representatives from BirdCast at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Buffalo Audubon, University at Buffalo Department of Environment and Sustainability, SPCA Wildlife Department, Lights Out! Connecticut, and Lights Out Central New York.
Other featured speakers include:
- Dr. Adriaan M. Dokter, Project Leader for BirdCast at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Tom Kerr, Senior Naturalist at Buffalo Audubon
- Hannah Semo, Master’s student at the University at Buffalo Department of Environment and Sustainability
- Aaron Karpinski, Director of the SPCA Wildlife Department
- Meredith Barges, Co-Founder of Lights Out! Connecticut & Chair of Lights Out Central New York
- City of Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan
“Buffalo is right in the middle of a major migration path and it’s important that we take steps to help protect the birds and the wildlife that are here year-round and those who are passing through,” said Mayor Sean Ryan. “As a fellow birder, I’m proud to partner with Buffalo Audubon to help make our region safer for birds.”
“We’re fortunate to live in one of the most important regions for birds in all of North America: along the Niagara River Corridor, which is a globally significant Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA),” explained Buffalo Audubon Executive Director Ed Sirianno. “That’s not just a point of pride, it’s a responsibility. Buffalo Audubon is leading a movement and inviting communities across Western New York to help make our region truly bird-friendly, where protecting birds also means creating healthier communities, a more sustainable environment, and a more beautiful place for all of us to live. ”
Registration for the event is free. Attendance can be in person or virtually.
Get connected: buffaloaudubon.org/bird-friendly-buffalo | www.birdfriendlybuffalo.com