On June 2nd the Ohio Young Birders ventured to twin lakes to bird by kayak. Birding by Kayak is a OYBC Central Chapter annual event. We work with TAASC for this event. This was my 4th year attending BBK and I was very excited. The day started out with us getting checked in and introductions to our leaders. We picked out our kayaks and headed out. It was cool and cloudy, but I think it’s better than hot and sunny, just from past experiences. Before crossing the bridge, highlights were Acadian Flycatcher and Yellow-throated Vireo. After crossing the bridge, one group stayed in the open area to bird and another went back in an inlet. I went with the inlet group and highlights were Prothonotary Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, and Northern Parula. After that we went back into the open and switched and then we all met up at an end point. We got great views of a Prothonotary Warbler entering its next box. We decided to head back. The group fell apart and I birded with two other Birders for a little while. We saw and heard a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, then decided to head back. We ate lunch, visited the OSU Mussel Center, and checked nest boxes.
A few other Birders and I decided to go to the OSU airport to chase a couple species. We saw and heard many Dickcissels. We also managed to pick up Upland Sandpiper, which was a lifer for many of the birders. It was a great day and our birdathon team “The Chickpeas” ended the day with 81 species.
Your generous support of the OYBC Birdathon Team “The Chickpeas” is greatly appreciated! Please go to the Birdathon support page on the Columbus Audubon Web site to make your donation.
Adriana Losey, age 15, is a member of the Central Ohio chapter of the Ohio Young Birders.