Upcoming birding opportunities at Lake Metroparks!
PGBird
Isn't this sunshine lovely!! We took a group of birders on a cold and
windy trip to Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge this past Saturday to
kick off the spring birding season. Except for the fact that the
scope wouldn't stand still and no one was very eager about getting out
of the van, we had an excellent day with 55 species including 18
species of ducks and all three swans -- mute, trumpter, and tundra!!
Interestingly, most of them weren't on "water", but in cut over corn
and soybean fields with large areas of standing water. We also saw
quite a few eagles -- always thrilling -- and harriers!!
For a look at ducks closer to home, check out Veterans Park (5740
Hopkins Road
Mentor OH 44060) -- the large ponds there often attract migrating
waterfowl. As a matter of fact, Andy Avram will be leading a morning
bird walk there, Wednesday, 3/17 at 9 a.m. -- feel free to join him if
you read this Tuesday evening!
There is a Woodcock Watch scheduled at Girdled Road Reservation South
(South Entrance: 12899 Radcliffe Road, Concord Twp., OH 44077 ) on
Friday evening, 3/26. It's a family friendly activity for ages 8 and
older (younger than 18 with an adult please). We will search for
these elusive birds at dusk by listening for their distinct calls and
watching for the aerial dance of the male as he tries to attract a
mate. Plan to do active field hiking. Please dress for the weather and
wear hiking shoes. This is a FREE program, but registration is
requested. If you've never experienced this courting ritual, it's a
terrific spring event.
Finally, on Sunday, 3/28 from 2 to 3:30, Penitentiary Glen Nature
Center in Kirtland will be hosting a Backyard Water Gardens program
that covers planning, building, stocking, and maintenance. This FREE
presentation will be by Aqua Doc, a professional company that
maintains the water feature in the Nature Center's Window on
Wildlife. My little backyard pond has really enhanced the variety of
birds and wildlife visiting my yard this winter!
I think the best thing at this point in spring is hearing the song
sparrows begin to sing. I'm not sure they are on territory yet, but
they are tuning up for it. Their song makes me feel so good! And it
reminds me to start brushing up on bird songs -- time to wander around
on www.whatbird.com and listen to the songs of birds I expect to see!!
Mary Huey
Interpretive Naturalist
Lake Metroparks
mh...@lakemetroparks.com
440-256-2119