Junior Birder Day Education
2020-02-08 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Novak Education Center, 382 Townline Road, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Our Junior Birder Day (formerly Scout Day) is for all children K thru 3rd grade. Participants will rotate through stations to learn about bird adaptations, anatomy and habitat in a fun way. Craft
and owl pellet dissection included. School groups and Scout troops welcome.
$5 donation per child requested.
Two sessions available: 10am to noon or 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Sessions fill up quickly so reserve your child’s place today!
Contact info@clevelandaudubon.org to register.

New Birder's Workshop Program
2020-03-18 09:00 - 12:00, 2020-03-21 09:00 - 12:00 | Novak Education Center, 382 Townline Road, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
This 3-hour workshop will spend about 45 minutes with ‘classroom’ material then move outside in small groups (4 or less/group) for a 2-hour “walk and learn” with experienced birders in the Novak Sanctuary. You will learn how to group birds by size and shape, how to get a general impression of their movements, and what field marks to look for BEFORE you refer to your field guide. You will also learn how to use a field guide and how to care for your binoculars.
THIS FREE WORKSHOP IS FOR NEW BIRDERS and you must register to attend! We want you to feel comfortable asking ANY question, no matter how basic. The experienced birders who accompany you in the field will be focused on helping you become more confident, so you can get excited about visiting new places to find birds.
CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED TO 16 PERSONS/SESSION. Location: Novak Education Center, 382 Townline Road, Aurora, OH. For maximum convenience the same workshop is offered on two different days: Wednesday March 18th from 9:00am to noon and Saturday March 21st from 9:00am to noon. Register for only one session by emailing your name, email address and cell phone number to info@clevelandaudubon.org. We will confirm your reservation by email.

Chagrin River Bird Quest
2020-09-11 16:00 - 2020-09-12 16:00
Registration is now open for our 6th Annual 24-hour team birding challenge! Register HERE by September 10th.
This year is “Bird Where You Are.” Get your team together and explore the Chagrin River Valley, your local park or wherever you happen to be! Find the most warblers, visit the most habitats, or check off the most species overall! Lots of prizes to win!
Drive-thru Check-in is September 11th, 4pm to 6pm, at the West Woods‘ Deer Run Shelter (look for the signs!) Don’t forget to let us know how many t-shirts your team needs so we can have them ready for you! New this year: have lunch on us! A Subway gift card will be included in your Check-in packet for every team member. (You must pick up your team’s packet in person to receive t-shirts and gift cards.)
Turn in your checklist “virtually” by 4pm on September 12th for judging. Instructions included in your Check-in packet.
Due to COVID-19 our Quest Celebration! will be held virtually, via Zoom, at 7pm September 12th. Please provide email addresses for every team member who will be attending. A link to the Zoom event will be sent to every email address upon registration.

Winter Photo Contest
2021-01-07 08:00 - 23:59
Wanted!
Your winter photos of one of our four sanctuaries: Aurora, Hach-Otis, Novak or Molnar.
The winner will receive a $10 Subway gift card and their name and photo featured on the home page of www.clevelandaudubon.org.
Check HERE for full contest rules and submission information.
Good luck and good photographing!

Birding Workshop via Zoom
2021-08-25 19:00 - 20:30
Need some new birding tips or tricks? Want to update your birding skills? Want to participate in Bird Quest but don’t know where to start?
Join our annual Bird Quest pre-event Birding Workshop, this year presented virtually, via Zoom. Hand-outs will be sent to you when you register. This workshop is FREE and open to all, but registration is required.
Please register for the Workshop HERE.

Chagrin River Bird Quest
2021-09-10 16:00 - 2021-09-11 18:00 | West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road, Novelty, OH, 44072, United States
Bird Quest: Seven years and counting!
Get your team together and explore the Chagrin River Valley from Lake Erie south to Audubon’s bird sanctuaries in Aurora in search of year-round residents and fall migrants. Start in your own backyard, bird on your own, or join one of our expert birders for a guided bird walk. (The complete list of scheduled walks will be available at Check-in.) How many species can your team check off in 24 hours?
Teams:Share the day with family, friends, co-workers and classmates! Teams can be two or more, young or old, experienced birders or never birded before! One team member must be 18 or older with a valid driver’s license. Win a prize for the most creative team name!
Schedule of events:
Sept 10: Team Check-in and final registration. Pick up maps, checklists, t-shirts, and talk strategy with teammates and Audubon trustees. 4 to 6 pm The West Woods Nature Center
Sept 10 – 11: Bird with your team in the Chagrin River Watershed 4pm Friday through 4pm Saturday. Send pictures of your team birding until 3pm (details at Check-in)
Sept 11: Quest Celebration! Food, Awards and Prizes 4 – 6pm The West Woods Nature Center
Bird Quest is FREE and open to all, but registration is required. Please register HERE.

Intro to eBird Third Thursday Series (via Zoom)
2021-09-16 19:00 - 20:00
eBird is the Citizen Science database for birders from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. This live online tour will introduce you to many of its popular features and answer the question “what’s in it for me?”. It can keep track of all your bird sightings, worldwide, and help you decide where to go birding tomorrow or during your next vacation. See why many birders check eBird before going to bed and again when they wake up! About 60 minutes duration with questions accepted via CHAT. A pdf handout is available for download HERE.
You must register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvduCoqz0rE9HKQ_KZ7nzVxagL-xlBKZ3f

Why Field Guides Change Third Thursday Series (via Zoom)
2021-10-21 19:00 - 20:00
Why does my field guide keep changing?
Dr. Andy Jones from the Cleveland Natural History Museum will explain changes in taxonomy and why bird names change.
Registration is required and you can use this link for registration:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUsc-qvqD8rE9R51h02akWKwFI6eg-XnH3G
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Terminal Velocity Third Thursday Series (via Zoom)
2021-11-18 19:00 - 20:00
Terminal Velocity: The Saga of the Falcons and the Tower
The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest bird in the world, capable of spectacular dives in pursuit of their prey, reaching speeds of 200+ mph! They are a majestic, awe-inspiring and cosmopolitan species that seems to epitomize evolutionary perfection. And yet by the late 1960s, they had been extirpated from their range in most of the U.S. and the world. Then a critically endangered species restricted to the cliffs of distant wilderness areas and devastated by pesticides, they have staged a remarkable recovery, moving into the canyons of our cities! This illustrated program will explore the thousand-year-old relationship between Peregrines and people and chronicle their transformation from birds of wild places to urban dwellers. The program will focus on the story of the falcons that came to dwell at the Terminal Tower in downtown Cleveland. Presented by Harvey Webster.
You must register in advance for this meeting using this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtce6qqTMtHdJ1oYHy_8T0bdqqEwDKplRv
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Why Field Guides Change Third Thursday Series (via Zoom)
2021-12-16 19:00 - 20:00
Why does my field guide keep changing?
Dr. Andy Jones from the Cleveland Natural History Museum will explain changes in taxonomy and why bird names change.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvfuqvqTotHdxSe_JUQm-B2pLHiZBf7eao

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Many Sides of the Mushroom Third Thursday Series (via Zoom)
2022-01-20 19:00 - 20:00
Many Sides of the Mushroom…..and More
Mushrooms tell many stories and have many sides. Learn some common mushrooms, some stories and some medicinal plants too. Presented by Bob Bartolotta.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpdu6rqjkqHtUfxsofeUEkaQ2ti1LhY9Ff
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

A Tour of iNaturalist Third Thursday Series (via Zoom)
2022-02-17 19:00 - 20:00
A Tour of iNaturalist with a Naturalist (Linda Gilbert)
iNaturalist is the popular Citizen Science that helps you identify plants and animals of all types and from around the world. Learn what iNaturalist can do for you and what your contributions can do for science. Linda Gilbert is a Naturalist with the Geauga Park District and a long-time user of iNaturalist. Linda will introduce us to iNat, show us how to create our own account and upload our observations of the natural world. Learn how to navigate the site for your personal observations and how to contribute observations to PROJECTS like bioblitzes, butterfly surveys and more.
Please register in advance for this meeting using this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsfuCgpj0oGNKvmJhuOAxKRMPJtHALIx5f
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Songs from the Pond Third Thursday Series (via Zoom)
2022-03-17 19:00 - 20:00
Songs from the Pond: an Amphibian Serenade (by Lisa Rainsong)
​Birds aren’t the only singers in the spring! From the earliest songs of Wood Frogs and Spring Peepers to the endlessly entertaining songs of Green Frogs, Bullfrogs and American Toads, there’s always something to hear from the ponds and wetlands. We’ll look and listen to songs of NE Ohio’s frogs and toads from the initial ice melt of March through the early summer songs of June. There may be a few more singers than you realized!
Register in advance for this meeting using this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvcOmqqDMiHdQCRcuFN-tMqTd7wkjKHAuv
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Warbler Warm-up Third Thursday Series (via Zoom)
2022-04-21 19:00 - 20:00
For new to experienced birders. Using over 150 photos, Kelly Kozlowski and Matt Valencic help get you ready for the return of warblers by reminding you of those important field marks, behaviors and habitat preferences. Tips for separating ‘look-alikes’ and special emphasis on song of NE Ohio breeding birds.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIscOmrqTMqHNwcXvoHdP6hF9-Wz1O_VGIH
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Going for the Gold! Third Thursday Series (via Zoom)
2022-05-19 19:00 - 20:00
Going for the gold! 30 years of Prothonotary Warbler Husbandry
For 30 years, Dan Best has been providing artificial nest cavities to increase nesting success of Prothonotary Warblers (aka, Golden Swamp Warbler) on the Upper Cuyahoga River in Geauga County. Join us as Dan reports on nesting success and the many lessons learned about competition from other species, predation and flood loss avoidance. For the last 11 years Rachel McKinney, a Science, Math and Environmental Education teacher, has assisted him with the many facets of the project, including installing the cavities in spring, banding adult and hatchling birds in summer, data collection and removing cavities in fall.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvdO-opzkvGteDT4YG4dGdq4mN2oPysIq-
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Birding Workshop
2022-08-27 09:00 - 11:30 | Novak Education Center, 382 Townline Road, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Update your skills or learn new ones in preparation for the Chagrin River Bird Quest (September 9 — 10). A one hour presentation (in person at the Novak Education Center) will be followed by a guided walk through the Novak Sanctuary to practice what you learned! Beginners and experienced birders are all welcome!
Please register for the Workshop HERE.

Birds of NE Ohio Backyard Naturalist
2022-09-08 19:00 - 20:00 | North Royalton Public Library, 5071 Wallings Road, North Royalton, OH, 44133, United States
Over 200 species of birds can be found in NE Ohio in a typical year. Some are year-round residents and others just pass through on their way to the Boreal Forests of Canada. Others fly across the Gulf of Mexico non-stop to have their babies in our back yards! Get a close up look at 100 of the most common residents, migrants and breeding birds of NE Ohio and learn where and when to find them. Approximately 1 hour in length. Presented by Matt Valencic.

Chagrin River Bird Quest
2022-09-09 16:00 - 2022-09-10 18:30 | West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road, Novelty, OH, 44072, United States
Registration is now open for the 8th Annual Chagrin River Bird Quest!
What is Bird Quest? It’s our annual, 24-hour, team birding challenge in support of the Chagrin River Important Bird Area.
Get your team together and Check in on Friday, Sept 9, from 4pm to 6pm, at the West Woods Nature Center to pick up your checklist, maps and FREE T-SHIRTS.
Then head out birding for 1 hour or all 24, north to the Lake Erie shoreline or south to the Audubon sanctuaries in Aurora. Bird on your own or join a guided hike (there will be at least 1 night-time Owl Prowl!).
Then join the Celebration! at the West Woods Nature Center for food, fun and awards. Prizes for the most birds overall, the most warblers, the most creative team name, and more! There’s also door prizes and raffles for spectacular nature-themed artwork!
All Bird Quest activities are free and open to the public but registration is required. Please register HERE.

Chagrin River Bird Quest 2023
2022-09-09 16:00 - 2022-09-10 18:30 | West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road, Novelty, OH, 44072, United States
Registration is now open for the 8th Annual Chagrin River Bird Quest!
What is Bird Quest? It’s our annual, 24-hour, team birding challenge in support of the Chagrin River Important Bird Area.
Get your team together and Check in on Friday, Sept 8, from 4pm to 6pm, at the West Woods Nature Center to pick up your checklist, maps and FREE T-SHIRTS.
Then head out birding for 1 hour or all 24, north to the Lake Erie shoreline or south to the Audubon sanctuaries in Aurora. Bird on your own or join a guided hike (there will be at least 1 night-time Owl Prowl!).
Then join the Celebration! at the West Woods Nature Center for food, fun and awards at what time. Prizes for the most birds overall, the most warblers, the most creative team name, and more! There’s also door prizes and raffles for spectacular nature-themed artwork!
All Bird Quest activities are free and open to the public but registration is required. Please register HERE.

Concert of Crickets & Katydids via Zoom
2022-09-15 19:00 - 20:00
“Third Thursday” Zoom programs resume on September 15th at 7:00pm with Concert of Crickets and Katydids by Lisa Rainsong. This is an introduction to these amazing insects, when and how they sing, and the habitats where they can be found. Lisa’s amazing knowledge of music, natural history and her ability to communicate effectively make her a joy to listen to. The program is free, but registration is required.
Please register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsdu-pqzItEtVPTpIQif2xsES_buuh7YbN
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Raptors of NE Ohio via Zoom
2022-10-20 19:00 - 20:00
19 species of Raptors can be found in NE Ohio in a typical year. Some are frequently seen while others are quite secretive. Several are year-round residents while others are here only in summer or winter. Enjoy lots of photographs and learn some things you might not know about our hawks, eagles, falcons and owls. Presented by Matt Valencic.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUscuiqpzsuH9TIMpWkBo8m5myenyWOFvAS
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Migrating Waterfowl via Zoom
2022-11-17 19:00 - 20:00
November is all about waterfowl in NE Ohio. Ducks, Geese, Swans, Grebes, Loons and Gulls will be on Lake Erie throughout the winter, and on many inland lakes until they freeze. Learn who the migratory waterfowl are, how to identify them, and some interesting facts about each. Registration is required for this free program. Presented by Matt Valencic.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsf-GqrT8uGtOktJqzsA-W-PwUOoKijw0S
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Of Mast and Men via Zoom
2022-12-15 19:00 - 20:00
The life, times and demise of the Passenger Pigeon
Presented by Harvey Webster
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkceGgqDMtHt3Bz-5UVSdP5bqpvNbzds3J
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

eBird 101: Getting Started via Zoom
2023-01-19 19:00 - 20:00
Getting Started in the New Year
Presented by Matt Valencic
A live presentation demonstrating how to get started and how to navigate the most popular features of eBird. We answer the questions “What’s in it for me?” and “What’s in it for bird conservation?” Registration required.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrcOispzgsGNdyaAt87UyyVbDEcy-PYY2q
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

What a Plant Knows
2023-02-05 14:00 | Novak Education Center, 382 Townline Road, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Short, cold days don’t have to interfere with your study of natural history! The ASGC Education Committee invites you to join us in reading What a Plant Knows: A Field Guide to the Senses (2017) by Daniel Chamovitz this winter. We’ll gather over coffee and tea in the warmth of the Novak Education Center to discuss the natural history of plants as revealed in this exciting little book.
RSVP at info@clevelandaudubon.org

The Buzz on Bumblebees via Zoom
2023-02-16 19:00 - 20:00
Bumblebees- Essential Pollinators
Presented by Dr. Chris Pappas
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvcuCtqTIiHNbx_ps0dRv6y-QpU6BXjZYz
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Amphibians of NE Ohio via Zoom
2023-03-16 19:00 - 20:00
Presented by Dr. Jim Tomko
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIucuqvqT0qHtxa8mWmmvNtJ-Jn7bM5snOG
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Warbler Warm-up via Zoom
2023-04-20 19:00 - 20:30
Some of the prettiest birds on the planet are in NE Ohio from April through October. Most just pass through during May on their way north, but some stay here to have their babies. Because we only see them for a short time every year we forget how to quickly identify them. This presentation uses actual photographs to help group birds by appearance AND preferred habitat. See all the warblers with eye rings on one slide. Learn about behaviors like tail wagging, skulking on the ground and walking along branches to help narrow down choices. You will learn to appreciate trilling, buzzy and high-pitched songs to narrow down birds you hear but cant see. We even send you home with a list of mnemonics like zay zay zay zoo zee (Black-throated Green Warbler). Approximately 1 – 1 ½ hours in length.
Presented by Matt Valencic and Kelly Stanek
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqcuGvrjIqHdwMUNsoMB-tTPsL7qS-qyFT
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Native Plants for Birds & Insects Rescheduled!
2023-05-25 19:00 - 20:00
Birds, insects and native plants are inextricably linked in nature. Whatever happens to one will have an effect on the others. This talk explains those relationships, then shows you ways to enhance your personal landscape for birds, insects, or just for the beauty of native plants. Lots of pictures of birds, insects and native plants (flowering plants, trees and shrubs). Directions provided to download handouts from our website. Presented by Matt Valencic. At the end of the program, Matt will introduce a new PILOT program where members of ASGC and Shaker Lakes will offer consultation to homeowners wishing to make changes to their landscapes using native plants to attract more birds and insects. About 1-hour in length.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqc-2gpjwpGdZ65_FWba0JS_-bU2Eac-Th
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
