Birding in the Village

Birding in the Village

Some people are surprised to find that birding in North America is a multi-billion dollar activity that immerses the birder in natural environments along with areas closer to home. Most still don’t realize that Northwest Ohio is a world-wide hotspot for the annual migration of birds coming from as far away as Central and South America! These amazing birds often go unnoticed by the average person as most don’t come to feeders. Many of these birds make you work for a glimpse! Join Chris Gajewicz, professional naturalist, raconteur and long-time birder as the group seeks to find the common and not-so-common birds in the Village of Ottawa Hills. This active program will take the participant to areas throughout the Village to learn birding basics and more advanced techniques that will help all skill levels to become even better! Life histories of the birds of the Village will be discussed and natural and local history of the area will fill the voids should the birds become uncooperative! All levels of birders are welcome.

Meeting Dates:

Friday, April 3 8:30-10:00 am
- Meet at Epworth United Methodist Church - back parking lot

Friday, April 10 8:30-10:00 am
- Meet at St. Michael's in the Hills - front parking lot

Friday, April 17 8:30-10:00 am
- Meet at Ottawa Hills Sledding Hill - on Brookside between Talmadge and Sulphur Springs

Friday, April 24 8:30-10:00 am
- Meet at Bridge on Evergreen Road

Friday, May 1 8:30-10:00 am
- Meet at Field at Dorr and Richards

Friday, May 8 8:30-10:00 am
- Meet at Ottawa Hills Sledding Hill

Friday, May 15 8:30-10:00 am
- Meet at Woodlawn Cemetery

We will be birding regardless of weather UNLESS the National Weather Service issues any “watches” or “warnings”. If there is thunder and lightning we will not meet but if it’s only rain, consider the class to be a go. Rain gear and proper footwear are a must. Waterproof shoes or “Wellies” are highly recommended as we will be going off trail in many cases. This class will sometimes take place on uneven terrain and will require walking some distance, although not at a rapid pace. Using trekking poles is recommended for anyone who feels uneasy about walking in a natural area.

Consider bringing a small backpack or shoulder bag containing the following:

• Insect repellant
• Sunscreen
• Band-aids
• Water bottle
• Necessary medications
• Field guide*
• Binoculars
• Snacks

*The Peterson Field Guide to the Birds East of the Rockies is recommended, however, any and all birding field guides will work fine. Also, the Merlin app is recommended.

Birding in the Village

Some people are surprised to find that birding in North America is a multi-billion dollar activity that immerses the birder in natural environments along with areas closer to home. Most still don’t realize that Northwest Ohio is a world-wide hotspot for the annual migration of birds coming from as far away as Central and South America! These amazing birds often go unnoticed by the average person as most don’t come to feeders. Many of these birds make you work for a glimpse! Join Chris Gajewicz, professional naturalist, raconteur and long-time birder as the group seeks to find the common and not-so-common birds in the Village of Ottawa Hills. This active program will take the participant to areas throughout the Village to learn birding basics and more advanced techniques that will help all skill levels to become even better! Life histories of the birds of the Village will be discussed and natural and local history of the area will fill the voids should the birds become uncooperative! All levels of birders are welcome.

Meeting Dates:

Friday, April 3 8:30-10:00 am
- Meet at Epworth United Methodist Church - back parking lot

Friday, April 10 8:30-10:00 am
- Meet at St. Michael's in the Hills - front parking lot

Friday, April 17 8:30-10:00 am
- Meet at Ottawa Hills Sledding Hill - on Brookside between Talmadge and Sulphur Springs

Friday, April 24 8:30-10:00 am
- Meet at Bridge on Evergreen Road

Friday, May 1 8:30-10:00 am
- Meet at Field at Dorr and Richards

Friday, May 8 8:30-10:00 am
- Meet at Ottawa Hills Sledding Hill

Friday, May 15 8:30-10:00 am
- Meet at Woodlawn Cemetery

We will be birding regardless of weather UNLESS the National Weather Service issues any “watches” or “warnings”. If there is thunder and lightning we will not meet but if it’s only rain, consider the class to be a go. Rain gear and proper footwear are a must. Waterproof shoes or “Wellies” are highly recommended as we will be going off trail in many cases. This class will sometimes take place on uneven terrain and will require walking some distance, although not at a rapid pace. Using trekking poles is recommended for anyone who feels uneasy about walking in a natural area.

Consider bringing a small backpack or shoulder bag containing the following:

• Insect repellant
• Sunscreen
• Band-aids
• Water bottle
• Necessary medications
• Field guide*
• Binoculars
• Snacks

*The Peterson Field Guide to the Birds East of the Rockies is recommended, however, any and all birding field guides will work fine. Also, the Merlin app is recommended.