Erie Chamber of Commerce issued the following announcement on April 9.

Presque Isle State Park, is known to support over 300 species of birds throughout the seasons due to the diversity of habitats from shoreline to forest, making it one of the best birding locations in PA. Enjoy a friendly competition in May, during the spring migration, and have yourself a big month. The competition will begin at 5:00 am on May 1stand go through 5:00 pm on May 31st. All birds must be identified within the park boundary including 500 feet offshore around the peninsula. The birds can be recorded using the honor system by seeing, hearing and or photographing.

The cost will be $20.00 per participant, limited to 50 birders, which will include a bird checklist, participation certificate, a discount for Presque Isle Gallery and Gifts, a button and a chance at various prizes. Checklist booklets can be picked up at the TREC front desk. Please choose from the Beginner level (0 to 10 years birding experience) and the Advanced level (11 plus years of birding experience). Checklist booklets must be turned in to the front desk at the TREC before 5:00 PM on Friday June 8, 2018. Upon registration, there will be further details of the competition sent by email.

Field and Stream has provided prizes for the first place winners of both categories. There will be additional prizes for second and third place in each category.

Please call the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at 814-833-7424 or visit http://events.dcnr.pa.gov/presque_isle_state_park/calendar/month/2018/5 to register.

To pay for this event, please call the TREC at 814-833-7424 Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This program may be modified or cancelled at the discretion of park staff.

For more information about this or other programs, contact the Park Office located on the second floor of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) at (814) 833-7424. The Park Office is open from 8am to 4pm, Monday through Friday. The Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset for hiking and other environmental-related activities.

If you need an accommodation to participate in Park activities due to a disability, please contact Presque Isle State Park at (814) 833-7424 to make arrangements for your visit. With at least three days’ notice, interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are available for educational programs. Please call the Erie ASL Interpreters’ Office at (814) 806-2511 for more information about this service.

Original source: https://www.eriepa.com/about/news-and-updates/2018-presque-isle-state-park-big-month-birding-competition