Birding in the Village

Age 18 & Up
Fri Apr 5-May 17
8:30-10:00am

Heads up! This class has already started.

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:

Wednesday, April 3 6:30-8:00 pm
- In-class meeting at community meeting room, Ottawa Hills Elementary School

Friday, April 5 8:30-10:00 am
- Meet at Sledding Hill

Friday, April 12 8:30-10:00 am
- Meet at village property at NE corner of Dorr and Richards

Friday, April 19 8:30-10:00 am
-
Meet at Epworth United Methodist Church

Friday, April 26 8:30-10:00 am
-
Meet at St. Michael’s in the Hills

Friday, May 3 8:30-10:00 am
-
Meet at Sledding Hill

Friday, May 10 8:30-10:00 am
-
Epworth United Methodist Church

Friday, May 17 8:30-10:00 am
-
Birding at Woodlawn Cemetery

Friday, May 24 8:30-10:00 am RAIN DATE


The April 3rd meeting will be an opportunity to meet the guide and the other participants. The meeting will focus on birding basics which will include discussions regarding optics, field guides and phone apps, field ID marks on birds and basic ID, and geolocation of different species at different times during the year. PLEASE BRING YOUR FIELD GUIDES AND BINOCULARS TO THIS MEETING. The instructor favors the Peterson Field Guide to the Birds East of the Rockies, however, any and all birding field guides will work fine. Please consider adding the "Merlin” app to your smartphone.

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

This class is designed for adults who want to hone their birding abilities no matter what their skill level. The instructor will make every attempt to work with each participant based on their varying skills.


Instructor: Chris Gajewicz

Former Natural Resources and Garden Park Coordinator for the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Department

Location: Various Locations in/around the Village (details will be given at intro meeting)

Max Class Size

20

Spots Remaining

9
  • Friday, May 3, 2024 at 8:30am - 10:00am
  • Friday, May 10, 2024 at 8:30am - 10:00am
  • Friday, May 17, 2024 at 8:30am - 10:00am