Photo: Chimney Swift overhead by Jim McCulloch.

Aerial insectivores, birds that catch insects on the wing, such as the Chimney Swift are declining and there may be several reasons for the decline.

In 2017, we saw a ​Sharp-shinned Hawk and a Red-shouldered Hawk who perched on a broken tree top and gulped a “critter” down. We had an unobstructed view at a very close range. What will we see in 2018?

The highlight was a Red-tailed hawk perched directly over the trail about 25 feet high. We were able to walk directly below the hawk, pass by the hawk and continue the walk with him carefully watching us. Great views at all angles. ~ Bill Deininger, Bird Walk Leader

Sub-freezing temperatures did not deter 26 birders for the November 2017 Second Saturday walk. Ice had formed on the ponds. Eastern Bluebirds and Pileated Woodpeckers came in threes. Birders enjoyed American Tree Sparrows. What will we see in 2018?

Several highlights include 23 Yellow-rumped warblers. Good looks at a Yellow-billed Cuckoo. The Cuckoo was initially on the ground, flew up at eye level for about a minute, then flew up higher before disappearing.

In October 2017, two Bald Eagles flew overhead and there were great views of two Pileated Woodpeckers and two Eastern Bluebirds. Fall migration reached a point when the only warblers to be seen were Yellow-rumped Warblers. What will we see in 2018?

Six warbler species, including eight American Redstarts, six Magnolia warblers and five Black-and-White warblers were viewed by the group in several locations. We had some good birds including a Barred Owl, a Scarlet Tanager, and a pair of Solitary Sandpipers. ​

Above: Eastern Phoebe ( Sayornis phoebe) by John Benson (Flickr: Flycatcher) [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

"Seeing a Philadelphia Vireo is a real treat! The bird was in a group with an Eastern Phoebe and a Great Crested Flycatcher. Over the dipping pond Belted Kingfishers put on an aerial display, rattling loudly." - Second Saturday Bird Walk August 12, 2017 at Rocky River Nature Center Report

We started in the parking lot watching a Ruby-throated Hummingbird perched on a branch. The Scarlet Tanager was singing in the parking lot and a few lucky birders saw the bird as we started along the trail. We watched several Great Crested Flycatchers flying about. 

Photo: Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis), female, Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area, Quebec, Canada. By Cephas [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons

Midsummer can be a slow time for birding, but not on this pleasant sunny day. A highlight among the 52 species observed was a Red-breasted Nuthatch singing high in a tree. Other avian treasures were four species of thrush and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo. - July 2017

A singing Veery, pairs of Wood Thrushes and Yellow Warblers feeding their young, and an Acadian Flycatcher on the nest were just a few of the rewards for walking through a cloudburst. The final attraction was a Belted Kingfisher toiling mightily to swallow a large fish. ​

In 2017, we saw an Acadian Flycatcher and a Cedar Waxwing on their nests plus singing Veeries highlighted this perfect June day. A slightly downy juvenile Barred Owl was another great find. A pair of Pileated Woodpeckers excavated holes in an old tree. Being summer, flycatchers are back, five species seen. What will we see in 2018?

Most of the birders would say our best bird of the day was an immature Barred Owl. It was on a tree branch about 15 feet high and five feet from the trail. Everyone had unobstructed views of the owlet. Down the trail we then saw one of the parent Barred owls hanging around watching out for the owlet. It was a great day for birding. Many species, many great views, many birds singing. 

In 2017, migration brought warblers! On this International Migratory Bird Day the Rocky River trails had 12 species of warbler. Seven Scarlet Tanagers were welcome arrivals. The woods were rich with song. What will we see this year?

Bird collisions are one of the top three human-related causes of bird deaths and injuries. What can be done to solve the problem, or, at least, reduce the number of deaths? 

We had a number of early migrants, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Eastern Phoebe, Brown Creepers, and both Kinglets. Other first-of-year birds that showed up include, Tree Swallows and Northern Rough-winged Swallows, a Broad-winged hawk circled directly over our heads, an early Green Heron and five Hooded Mergansers popped into view. 

A Barred Owl was located high up in a pine tree. Everyone was able to see the Owl before it flew off. Cardinals were everywhere. Many gorgeous male Cardinals singing in many, many locations through out the entire walk. One Pine Siskin was spotted up high, but few of us were able to put binoculars on the elusive bird. Four Bald Eagles were spotted flying high overhead. 

In 2017, a Pileated Woodpecker was just what one birder needed for his Ohio list on this 20-degree morning. The Brown Creeper was another nice addition for the seven who made the walk. What will we see this year?

High School science teacher, Mike Sustin, highlights the biology and ecology of the black bear - once extirpated in Ohio – from life in the den to foraging behaviors to the management challenges facing Ohio’s population.

New to birding? You will be amazed how much you can learn in this friendly group.

It was cold, but we were prepared. The sun actually came out later in the walk. We had a total of 5 hardy souls, binoculars in hand, with hats, gloves, scarves and warm attitudes.

In 2017, twenty-one birders came out to see winter resident birds, including Black-capped Chickadees taking seeds from outstretched hands. American Tree Sparrows abounded. What will we see in 2018?

“Thinking of nature as a teacher rather than a warehouse is a powerful act.” This statement, by author Janine Benyus, has sparked people to learn more about biomimicry. Biomimicry, or innovation inspired by nature, has taken root here in Northeast Ohio. 

We saw a ​Sharp-shinned Hawk and a Red-shouldered Hawk who perched on a broken tree top and gulped a “critter” down. We had an unobstructed view at a very close range.

New to birding? You will be amazed how much you can learn in this friendly group.​