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Erin Avram Spring is on the Horizon

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  • March 2019
  • Spring is on the Horizon

Spring is on the Horizon

  • ​Posted March 11, 2019

By Andy Avram, Interpretive Manager

The sun was shining, the cardinals and red-winged blackbirds were singing, and for all intents and purposes it appeared spring was here--until we opened our car doors and were greeted by 18-degree weather! Regardless, participants braved the cold to take part in an early “spring” Bird Walk at Lake Erie Bluffs on March 9.

photo by Erin Avram

Black-capped chickadee

Bird diversity was low with only 16 species recorded, however an Iceland gull and both of our wintering common ravens made appearances. The ravens were first heard croaking and were then seen flying from the west over Lake Erie. They eventually flew a mile or so on the ice and harassed the gulls a little. We then noticed a coyote running on the frozen lake! We watched as it just kept running towards Canada, likely going to the edge of the open water to search for any dead fish or injured waterfowl to eat. The rest of the walk was pretty uneventful, but it sure was nice to see all the birds starting to sing and establish territories. Spring cannot be too far away!

photo by Erin Avram

Coyote on frozen Lake Erie

photo by Erin Avram

The complete list of birds found is as follows: 

  • Canada goose
  • Ring-billed gull 
  • Herring gull
  • Iceland gull 
  • Great Black-backed gull
  • Blue jay 
  • American crow 
  • Common raven 
  • Black-capped chickadee 
  • American robin 
  • European starling 
  • American tree sparrow 
  • Red-winged blackbird 
  • Brown-headed cowbird
  • Common grackle
  • Northern cardinal

Bird Walks: These morning birding adventures are at Lake Metroparks’ best birding spots, located along major migration corridors with histories of good migration days. New birders are welcome! To join us for any of these programs, please click on the following links to register.

March 16

April 6

April 11

May 15

May 25

Sunday Morning Bird Walks: These bird walks provide birders of all abilities the opportunity to share the spring bird migration phenomenon. Binoculars and field guides are recommended and beginners are encouraged to attend. To join us for any of these programs, please click on the following links to register.

April 14

April 21

April 28

May 5

May 12

May 19

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