By Caitlin Ambrose, Interpretive Manager
Hopping around from branch to branch, a yellow warbler searches for its next meal. Soaring over the lake, a bald eagle scans the landscape. In the silence of the night, a barred owl calls, announcing its presence. Across the shore, a killdeer runs, its feet moving so swiftly that they become a blur.
There is much to be said about birds and there are many to be seen. With more than 2,000 species in North America, birds are found in a large variety of habitats. Here in Lake County, we are fortunate to have wetlands, lakes, forests, fields and shorelines to attract many species.
As it is commonly known, many birds migrate in the spring and fall. With Lake County’s location along Lake Erie, a large variety of migrating birds including warblers, sparrows, waterfowl, shorebirds, hawks and owls can be found here on their travels. There are also many species of birds that don’t migrate and are year-round residents in Lake County including the Northern cardinal, blue jay, red-bellied woodpecker, white-breasted nuthatch and black-capped chickadee. In 2019, more than 335 species of birds were found in Lake County.
Lake Metroparks provides a wide variety of habitats where year-round birds, migrating birds and rare birds can be found. Chagrin River Park, Lake Erie Bluffs and Veterans Park are three of the top spots in Lake County for birders. All three of these parks have level terrain and are great for spotting a variety of species. While visiting each park, it is good to look at what habitat you are walking in, as this will help you identify the birds you find. For example, an eastern meadowlark is found in open fields while a blue-headed vireo is more likely to be found in the woods.
Black-throated blue warbler
Warblers and sparrows frequent Chagrin River Park, which has a variety of habitats. Higher diversity gives you a better chance to find a greater range of species. In 2019, 208 species of birds were identified in this park alone. A wide range of warblers in the spring and fall are common while sparrow species can also be high in diversity in late fall.
Lake Erie Bluffs brings a great opportunity to see all varieties of birds from hawks and falcons to warblers, sparrows and waterfowl. This park is situated along the edge of Lake Erie in Perry and provides great habitat, food and protection for migrating birds. More than 230 species of birds were spotted by birders at this park in 2019. In winter 2018, common ravens were found at the property and nested in the area for the first time in 20 years.
Veterans Park in Mentor is ideal for waterfowl. In fall 2019, a limpkin (a rare bird from Florida) was found feeding on the snails and other aquatic invertebrates at the park. Overall, more than 200 species of birds were found at the park in 2019. Common waterfowl you will find are ruddy ducks, wood ducks and buffleheads but there is also much more to be found.
Spotted sandpiper
As a birder or even just a nature enthusiast, you can take part in your own research by utilizing eBird. This is a website and app through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that allows birders to document and record data on the birds they find. The material collected is important in providing information about the status of various bird species (all statistics listed in this article are from eBird).
Birds and birding are a great way to connect with the natural world around you. As the top outdoor activity across the country, birding provides you with a newfound or further appreciation for our feathered friends.
As always, Lake Metroparks is working hard to maintain your parks and keep them safe and accessible. Please visit your parks and do your part to use them in a way that respects each other and follows public health guidance.