On a sunny, slightly breezy March morning, members of the Ohio Young Birders Club assembled at Castalia Pond in search of waterfowl. The group, comprised of about twenty members and their companions, quickly identified a pair of Mallards, while the distant group of ducks in the middle of the pond proved more difficult. Using a scope, binoculars, and a little assistance from the experienced members and leaders, the kids were able to find a Ring-necked Duck, Redhead, Gadwall, and American Wigeon. Canada Geese were also swimming among the other waterfowl, along with a pair of striking white-splattered domestic Mallard crosses. While Ethan Kistler, the Black Swamp Bird Observatory’s ‘s Education and Outreach specialist visiting from the northern OYBC chapter, pointed out a Cooper’s Hawk overhead, the kids seemed more interested in an egg they found near the bank of the pond. Upon inspection the egg was cold and unincubated; they had fun trying to figure out what bird laid it!
Next, after a few more bird sightings (European Starling, Northern Flicker, Song Sparrow, Brown-headed Cowbird), the group piled into the cars and followed OYBC Advisor Tim Daniel to the Castalia fish hatchery, where they were shown the facilities where many rainbow trout and steelhead are raised from Michigan-originated eggs. These fish are deposited throughout Ohio for fishermen to catch. A brilliant immature Bald Eagle was sighted, and after a quick restroom break, two more eagles were spotted! The club took this as a good sign and filed back into their cars for a caravan to the local eagle nest. Walkie-talkies were distributed between the cars, and everyone had a blast competing to find birds! Team names were chosen, like ‘Gas’hawks, Catfish, Birdstalkers, and Catbirds. Everyone found a bird or two, with sightings from Wood Duck to White-breasted Nuthatch. When the group reached the eagle nest, the scope was brought out and everyone had a look at the bird on her nest.
Then it was time to visit some less fortunate eagles and their friends—the rescued animals at the Back to the Wild rehab center. The presentation, which included a Red-tailed Hawk, Eastern Screech Owl, Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Bald Eagles, and a flying squirrel, was very entertaining, informative, and inspiring. Clearly, it is vital that everyone does their part in conserving and protecting our local habitat and wildlife for the continuation of the species and the beauty for generations to come. After lunch, the staff led the club around the facility and explained the stories of the other raptors, along with some songbirds, foxes, and a bobcat. A brief look inside the free-flight cage was allowed as well, where a Bald Eagle was untethered and free to stretch her wings. It was amazing to be so close to a large, powerful being in flight. Inside the center itself, a kindly volunteer taught about salamanders, dragonfly nymphs, snakes, and turtles. The entire Back to the Wild visit was amazing, and it left everyone with a better appreciation for the natural world.
As always, all the young birders had a blast hanging out with old friends and getting to know new ones, all the while sharing their love for birds and the outdoors. As they enhance their skills and build respect for our wild neighbors, the proud members of the Ohio Young Birders Club are transforming into the conservation leaders of the coming years. Passion and interest are welcomed and fostered, and the young birders are on their way to soaring heights.
Kristina Polk is an OYBC member. Another OYBC member, Aaron Tayal, provided the bird list below. Â Check out the photo galleries (Album 1 and Album 2) from this event!
Greater White-fronted Goose
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Mallard
Redhead
Ring-necked Duck
Bufflehead
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Northern Harrier
Cooper’s Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
American Kestrel
Killdeer
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Belted Kingfisher
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
White-breasted Nuthatch
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
European Starling
Song Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow