By Andy Avram, Interpretive Manager

Typically in April and May, this blog updates our latest findings from our bird walks, birding day trips and a smattering of other interesting bird sightings around Lake County. While we are not able to conduct programs at this time due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the parks are still open for birding, and we are just starting the peak of migration! 

American woodcock

Chagrin River Park (always one of Lake County's hottest birding destinations) had a report of an Eastern whip-poor-will! It was seen flying from the side of the trail and landed on a branch a little ways in the woods. Lucky observers in the park are currently able to watch wild turkey males displaying and gobbling for females. American bitterns, least bitterns, Virginia rails, and sora are being seen and heard on a regular basis, and we think that the American kestrels might be nesting in our nest box! 

Virginia rail

Another great park for birding is Lake Erie Bluffs. Yellow warblers, gray catbirds and bank swallows have returned to the park in huge numbers. Any trip to the park at dusk will reveal American woodcocks calling and displaying. Both Baltimore and orchard orioles have been seen, and the warblers are just starting to make waves.

Baltimore oriole

It’s May, the weather is warming up, the birds are migrating back, and the parks are open for exploration. We hope that you can find the opportunity to get out for some birding, and we will see you again on our birding programs when things start returning to normal! Until then, keep checking this blog for local birding news and interesting bird articles!

Yellow warbler