Photo: White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) by Tom Fishburn.

"The nearly fifty acres of natural woodlands that lie between the gardens and the Vermilion River add a contrast to the formal and shade gardens. This natural area offers a seasonal display of indigenous trees and wildflowers—a great place for wildflower hikes, birding and tracking. There’s plenty of wildlife here as in other parks in the Lorain County Metro Park system, including deer, wild turkey and fox." ~ Lorain County Metro Parks

Photo: Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) by Tom Fishburn.

"Nearly all of French Creek Reservation 426 acres is forested, making it one of the largest forested areas in the lake plain. The forest varies greatly in age, with some areas over 100 years old while others have only been reforested since Lorain County Metro Parks obtained the land in the 1960s. A walk through the reservation reveals a variety of trees, including sycamore, pin oak, walnut, maple, cottonwood, and chestnut. In the warmer months, trillium, violet and wild geranium add splashes of color to the rich green. Many species of wildlife call these woods home, including deer, red fox, king fisher, great blue heron, garter snake, black rat snake, 2-lined salamander,  red-bellied woodpecker and lots of songbirds." ~ Lorain County Metro Parks

Photo: Common Loon (Gavia immer) by Tom Fishburn.

Meadowbrook Marsh is a relatively new acquisition by Danbury Township, and the township has worked hard to make the site accessible for birders and outdoor enthusiasts. This approximately 190-acre parcel features wetlands and large trees, and can be a great spot for migrant songbirds. Various herons and waterfowl use the marsh and open water areas. As Meadowbrook Marsh is located along a major migratory corridor for both waterbirds and songbirds, nearly anything could show up here.

The Council of Ohio Audubon Chapters (COAC) Workshop March 2018 began with seven COAC members attending a bird walk before the meeting. John Lillich opened the session with a brief presentation on the Hach-Otis Sanctuary conservation project in Willoughby Hills, which ASGC acquired and has preserved through the Western Reserve Land Conservancy.