By Andy Avram, Interpretive Manager

Neotropic bird migration is in full swing now and every day it seems that new birds are reported in the area. Birders are reporting around 15 species of warblers per outing in some of the best birding parks: Chagrin River Park, Veterans Park, and Lake Erie Bluffs. Of the 37 eastern warblers, 27 species have been recorded in the county this year and that number will only go up. Vireos (with a number of reports of white-eyed vireos) have been seen this spring, and all six of our regularly occurring swallows have returned. The rose-breasted grosbeaks, scarlet tanagers, and indigo buntings are being reported, and we are just starting to get numbers of flycatchers.  

Rose-breasted grosbeak

This May has been relatively cold and wet, but oftentimes those cold wet mornings bring the birds closer to the ground, providing excellent views. Just the other day, I had a male Cape May warbler foraging about three feet from my head while my wife snapped pictures! The lesson is: don’t wait for a warm sunny day, because even these cold mornings offer great birding opportunities. See you on the trails! 

Cape May warbler

Palm warbler