Parks and Recreation

September 3, 2015 by Staff Report

GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT

For more information on these programs, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit them online at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.

Whirling Birdies

Sept. 9 and 16, 7:30-9 p.m.

Witness the annual phenomenon of hundreds of chimney swifts swirling tornado-like and then plummeting into an old chimney en route to South America.

The Bird Tornado Strikes Again! takes place Sept. 9 at the gazebo on Chardon Square and Sept. 16 at the gazebo on Burton Square.

Chimney swifts are neotropical migrants, meaning they winter in the south and summer in the north. Though they once nested in hollow trees, America’s settlement and urbanization quickly introduced them to more convenient shelter chimneys, where they can use their glue-like saliva to adhere stick nests to the inner walls.

After nestlings have fledged into flyers by mid-summer, swifts patrol the skies by day and gather at dusk to room communally in uncapped chimneys of older homes, as well as institutional chimneys with incinerators rendered defunct by the Clean Air Act of 1972. Among popular local spots are the Berkshire High School in Burton, the Assembly of God Church in Chardon and Chardon High School.

Migration always takes place in September and early October. At sundown, local swifts are joined by travelers seeking a “migratory motel” for the night. All together the birds gradually swell in the sky, swirling in ever-tightening circles and emitting twittering notes until, one by one, they begin to swiftly drop into the chimney.

Chimneys like these often hold hundreds of swifts for the night. Previous programs through Geauga Park District have ranged from almost 400 to more than 900 birds making their way in.

All ages are welcome; registration is not required.

Family Fishing Expos

Sept. 12 and 19, 9-11:30 a.m.

Geauga Park District’s Natural Resource Management Department is hosting two Family Fishing Expo events for families with kids of all ages: Sept. 12 at the Swine Creek Reservation in Middlefield Township; and Sept. 19 at Big Creek Park in Chardon Township. Registration is required.

Participants will enjoy brief instruction in the basics of fishing equipment, knot tying and fish identification, followed by a morning of fishing with the help of experienced anglers. Equipment will be provided or bring your own.

Family BioBlitz

Sept. 12, 1-5 p.m.

The West Woods, Deer Run Shelter

Each year, volunteer scientists from across Northeast Ohio gather on a Geauga Park District property to tally all the species of animals that call the park home in what is called a BioBlitz.

Participate in a big critter-catching adventure, seeking the amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds, mammals and many kinds of insects that inhabit the ponds, stream, forest and meadow of The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Road, Russell Township.

Naturalists will provide nets, binoculars and more to make the experience all the more enriching for families. Wear proper outdoor attire (long pants, shoes and socks).

Registration is not required. Call 440-279-0883 with questions.