Grab a pair of binoculars and look to the skies of Geauga County for a bird’s-eye view of nature’s wonders.
** Each month, our Kicking It in the Park series features Geauga Park District’s talented staff and the things they’re excited to share about the parks, highlighting special plants and animals, favorite trails and recreational opportunities, what it takes to care for a park property and much more. **
Grab a pair of binoculars and look to the skies of Geauga County for a bird’s-eye view of nature’s wonders.
Whether in your own backyard or exploring a park or preserve, bird-watching invites you to slow down and connect with the natural world.
Geauga Park District Chief Naturalist John Kolar — a self-described “bird nerd” from Parkman Township — has been bird-watching since 1996.
On a rainy Aug. 25 outing at Troy Wetlands Park at 18725 Claridon-Troy Road, he shared his enthusiasm.
“I just can’t get enough of birds,” he said.
According to EBird records, 296 species of birds have been documented in Geauga County, Kolar said.
That figure includes year-round resident birds, overwintering migrants, as well as travelers merely passing through and the occasional vagrant birds that end up in Geauga County by accident.
“Of those 296 species, only about 10% of those birds regularly visit bird feeders, so the rest you have to strap on a pair of binoculars and head out into the wild to see them,” Kolar said. “Personally, I have seen 258 species in Geauga County, 211 of which I have already seen just this year.”
Where & When to Watch
Thanks to its diverse habitats, GPD offers prime birding opportunities.
“This is subject to debate amongst the birdwatching community, but based on EBird, our top 10 Geauga Park District parks for bird watching are Troy Wetlands, Eldon Russell Park, Burton Wetlands, The Rookery, Frohring Meadows, Swine Creek Park, The Maple Highlands Trail, Big Creek Park, The West Woods and Headwaters Park,” Kolar said.
Favorite locations shift with the seasons.
“In the summer, I am out observing Geauga nesting birds at various parks. (In) spring and fall, I’m observing migratory birds such as songbirds and waterfowl, and (in the) winter, I’m out observing year-round resident birds such as chickadees and nuthatches, as well as winter visitors from the north,” Kolar said.
For sheer diversity, nothing beats spring migration, which begins in late winter with migratory waterfowl and early songbirds, and peaks in May with colorful neotropical songbirds such as the scarlet tanager and hooded warbler, he said.
Health, Friendship & Discovery
Birdwatching not only offers a connection to nature, it has physical, mental and social benefits, as well, Kolar noted.
“It provides endless adventures observing the variety of birds we have in our parks,” he said. “Bird watching also gets you outside and into the natural world and when you’re out searching for birds, nature often reveals new surprises to you such as colorful dragonflies, amazing mammals, wildflowers, amphibians, etc.
“I have also made some great friends through birdwatching,” he added. “Watching birds is great as a solo activity, but can be even more enriching with friends and family.”
Matt Valencic, of South Russell Village, agrees. Living on an 8-acre hobby farm, he has been birding in Geauga County for 40 years.
“I enjoy learning about every living thing in nature,” Valencic said.
After retiring from a sales career in 2015, Valencic joined the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland, conducting bird surveys and creating photo presentations for the group’s Speakers Bureau.
“I joined the (ASGC) Education Committee, helping with programs for children and adults, and eventually became the chairperson, which I remain today,” he said.
Valencic relishes “the hunt” of birdwatching and tracking how many species he sees on each outing.
“I also enjoy watching what the birds are doing, their idiosyncrasies and the diversity of plant life, insects and other living things in their habitats,” he said. “Everything is inextricably tied together in nature and I encourage people to get out into nature and try to see those connections.”
Valencic praised GPD for obtaining properties and keeping or bringing them back to their natural states.
“Most of the properties that are open to the public have a variety of habitats within each of them, making them prime locations for finding many different species of birds and other living things throughout the year,” he said.
His favorite spots for spring through fall are The Rookery and the Swine Creek Valley Shelter Area, both boasting wetlands, streams, forest and what he calls “Glorious Edge”—the vibrant vegetation where two habitats meet.
Tools & Programs
Free apps such as Seek and Merlin help identify birds and plants by sight or sound.
“Knowing what’s there can make a difference and it’s satisfying to find it somewhere else and recognize it,” Valencic said.
GPD volunteer Bonnie Fish, of Burton, cherishes her memories from park birding programs.
“Geauga Park District has many programs from beginners to experienced birders,” Fish said. “The naturalists have always been so helpful and helping all of us to learn more. Thanks for the memories, Geauga Park District. It’s been a big part of my life.”
For beginners, Kolar recommends starting at The West Woods Nature Center, where visitors can watch an active feeding area from indoors.
“This is a great place to start learning your birds,” he said.
For more adventure, he suggests checking out the Bird-in-Hand Feeding Station at The West Woods, open October through early April, where tiny songbirds such as chickadees and titmice may eat right out of your hand.
Upcoming Birding Events
GPD’s fall calendar features numerous bird-related programs, including:
- Autumn Bird Walk, Oct. 12 at Headwaters Park;
- Bird Nest Quest, Nov. 9 at Eldon Russell Park;
- Take Me to the Migration Van Trip, Nov. 15, leaving from The West Woods (registration required);
- Waterfowl Watch Van Trip, Nov. 22 at Ladue Reservoir Boathouse;
- Coffee with the Birds, Nov. 30 at The West Woods.
