Every now and then the weather gods smile on us and give us a weekend like the one we just had here in Northeast Ohio. And since I added a couple of vacation days and made it a 4-day weekend, even better. Friday was the “cool day” with highs in the 70’s. Saturday through Monday had highs in the mid to upper 80’s. It was a taste of June in April.
I started my long weekend with a trip to Magee Marsh on Friday. The birding was really good. Southerly overnight winds created the first big migration weekend of the year. Between the marsh and the surrounding areas I managed to find 81 species including 14 warblers. By the end of the day I was tired, happy, and satisfied. Who knew Friday would just be the warm-up for the entire weekend.
Friday evening was also very nice. Dad and I attended the Bill Thompson, III (BOTB - Bill of the Birds) late show at the Rocky River Nature Center that was part of the North Coast Nature Festival. Bill really needs no introduction if you are a birder. The hour-plus presentation left people smiling, laughing, and happy. I didn’t know BOTB was a Wilco fan. Not only is he an editor, author, birder, musician, entertainer, and all around nice guy, he is a man of refined musical taste and sensibilities.
Saturday started with a bird walk led by BOTB. There must have been nearly 50 people on the walk but it never felt crowded or overwhelming. It was nice to see so many new birders on the walk. If there is one thing I really enjoy, it’s helping to introducing this wonderful hobby to new people. I think we found more than a few converts in the mix. After the walk I visited the bridle trail in Rocky River Reservation to check out the eagles nest. NASA, we have eaglets!!!! My last stop of the day was a visit to Sandy Ridge Reservation where the wind was brutal. There were practically whitecaps on the marsh. Cowabunga dude! At least the trees in the forest and along the west and north edge of the marsh were full of warblers.
Sunday was the morning of the third Spring Bird Walk out of six at the RRNC. The Spring Bird Walks are in their 76th year at various locations across NE Ohio. BOTB was up early again to join the walk. This walk was a little different as the crowd was huge, 56 birders in total. There was also nice treat with Tom Bartlett banding birds. We had close looks at several species but the star of the show was a Yellow-throated Warbler. After the walk I caught another BOTB program on the Young Birders Guide. I then headed up to Huntington Reservation to see what warblers might be in the trees along the lake.
Monday started without birding. My nephew Aiden is about to turn 3. I was his VIP guest at his preschool this morning. Each child could pick someone and I was honored to be Aiden’s selection. We got to play a while, sing a few songs including the smash hit The Wheels on the Bus, and dance a little. You’ve got to let it all hang out when you do the Chicken Dance, especially in front of a 3 year old. Aiden and I both had fun. After getting my groove on and seeing Aiden off with his Mommy and little sister Nora I headed back to the RRNC for a final round of birding. It felt very strange birding here by myself after the last two days but the quiet was also nice. Field trips are great, but sometimes you need to be alone in nature. I walked the trails again and enjoyed the birds and the solitude.
The totals for the weekend are as follows:
117 species in total
100 plus birders
80 degree temperatures
20 warbler species seen
7 birding sites visited
4 amazing days
2 BOTB programs
1 shameless performance of the Chicken Dance that left Aiden roaring
And a great long weekend with lots of good memories - priceless!
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