By Christine A. Smyczynski

One of the premier birding events in western New York is the annual Birding Festival at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute in Jamestown. This event will appeal to novice birders as well as more experienced birders. There are a number of lectures, field trips, exhibits, and other events during the four-day festival.

The event kicks off on Thursday June 9 with a reception at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute. Jim Berry, president of the RTPI, will give a…