Owl Prowl Field Trip
2016-09-16 20:30 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Would you like to add an owl species or two to your list? Join us for a night hike at the Aurora Audubon Sanctuary. Bring a flashlight as the trail is dark under the leaf canopy even with the full Harvest Moon. Meet at the Bretschnieder Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora. Leader: Jim Tomko
This Bird Walk is presented in conjunction with the Chagrin River Bird Quest.

Aurora Sanctuary Field Trip
2016-09-17 08:00 - 10:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Start your checklist off with a variety of species in the varied habitats of the Aurora Audubon Sanctuary. There is a good chance for waterfowl, raptors, migratory and resident songbirds. Meet at the Bretschnieder Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora. Leader: Jim Tomko
This Bird Walk is presented in conjunction with the Chagrin River Bird Quest.

West Geauga Commons Field Trip
2016-09-17 08:00 - 10:00 | West Geauga Commons, 14070 Chillicothe Rd, Novelty, OH, 44072, United States
West Geauga Commons is in the south-central part of the IBA (near Fairmont Blvd and Rt. 306). IT’S ALL ABOUT EDGE! A fall migrant hotspot, the Commons has abundant ‘edge’ habitat which attracts Warblers, Vireos, Woodpeckers, Cuckoos, Wrens and occasionally shorebirds and ducks during September. We will cover less than ¾ mile on groomed, gravel paths during this two hour walk. Binoculars, hat and comfortable walking shoes suggested. Leader: Matt Valencic
This Bird Walk is presented in conjunction with the Chagrin River Bird Quest.
(Photo: Northern Parula by Matt Valencic)

North Chagrin Reservation Field Trip
2016-09-17 14:00 - 16:00 | North Chagrin Nature Center, Off Buttermilk Falls Parkway, Willoughby Hills, 44094, United States
Leave from the North Chagrin Nature Center discovering birds along the way–67 species of birds have been seen in September over the last 10 years! Stop to look at the owls at the Nature Education Building. Then you’re right there for the Quest Celebration at 4:00 pm! Leader: Jeff Riebe
This Bird Walk is presented in conjunction with the Chagrin River Bird Quest.

Fringed Gentian in Bloom Field Trip
2016-09-24 14:30 - 16:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
The last dazzling blossoms of the season are in full bloom with an amazing color of blue opening to the beautiful autumn sun. The unusual Fringed Gentian and the more common Bottle Gentian have a good foothold in our sanctuary. Join us for a view of these and other fall wildflowers as the plant life winds down and becomes dormant for the winter. Meet at the Bretschnider parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Autumn Leaf Walk Field Trip
2016-10-22 14:30 - 16:30 | Hach-Otis Sanctuary, Skyline Drive, Willoughby Hills, OH, 44094, United States
This may be the peak weekend for local fall color depending on moisture and temperature of the season. Hach-Otis offers spectacular panoramic views of the Chagrin River Valley with just the right combination of tree species to give a wonderful palette of color to the forest. Join us for a walk to absorb and appreciate the beauty of the season. Meet at the Hach-Otis Sanctuary parking lot at the end of Skyline Drive off of River Road in Willoughby Hills.

Wild Turkey Trek Field Trip
2016-11-12 09:00 - 11:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Wild Turkeys are among the largest of our local native birds. Help us search for these alert and secretive birds earning their living while hiding in our forests. Once extirpated from Ohio they are now found in every county in the state. It is hard to believe that these 16 pound, 46 inch long creatures with a 64 inch wingspan can blend in so well that we rarely see them. Meet at the Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Road almost a mile north of State Route 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border.

Winter Solstice Night Hike Field Trip
2016-12-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
The Winter Solstice is just a few days away so come and celebrate some of the longest nights of the year just a few days after the December’s “Cold Moon” with a night hike in the winter woods. The quiet, snow covered forest is a special place and instills a magical feel. If we have a clear night the winter constellations along with the moon beams will light our way. If clouds are covering us then bring a flashlight. Meet at the Bretschneider parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Winter Tracks Field Trip
2017-01-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Molnar Sanctuary
So often we hike the woods and don’t realize what other creatures share it with us due to their secretive, nocturnal habits. Snow cover can reveal all the traffic on our trails from a squirrel racing to a tree with the tracks of a fox in the chase. Let’s see what stories we can read in the snow. Meet at the Molnar Sanctuary on the west side of Page Road a few hundred yards north of Mennonite Road in Aurora.

GBBC Field Trip
2017-02-19 08:30 - 10:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Each year during the 3rd weekend of February National Audubon holds the Great Backyard Bird Count where each of us can count the birds right out our window for as little as 15 minutes or for as long a you desire. When you are done you submit the count on line at gbbc.org to be recorded and tabulated and shared with all. Help us participate in this event by joining us on our annual winter bird survey. Meet at the Bretschnieder Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail just a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Waterfowl Field Trip
2017-03-25 09:30 - 12:30 | La Due Reservoir, La Due Reservoir, Akron, OH, United States
Fill up your gas tank for this “caravan” style field trip where we travel to some favorite watery spots in southern Geauga County and Northern Portage County. We will be amazed at the fantastic breeding plumage of migrating waterfowl. The drakes can be breathtaking in their spiffy new duds. Bring some lunch money as we will end the trip at a local restaurant to tally our results and share our stories. Meet at the Boat ramp of Ladue Reservoir at the end of East Washington St. just north of 422 in Auburn Corners.

Woodcock Field Trip
2017-04-15 19:30 - 21:30 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
The male woodcocks will be doing their courtship dance and flight display attempting to convince the females to choose them as a mate. If you have not witnessed this twilight ritual then here is your chance! As darkness falls we will hear the male begin his calling and then suddenly he will rocket upward in his flight display over the field. He will return to earth landing on his own little patch of dancing ground resuming his singing and dancing. The fields are wet this time of year so be prepared footwear wise! Meet at the Novak Sanctuary Parking lot on the east side of Townline Rd. a little less than a mile north of State Route 82 on the Mantua/Aurora line.
Woodcock photo by Matt Valencic.

Frogs! Field Trip
2017-05-05 20:30 - 22:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
The evening’s seasonal concert is in full swing! Among the performers are Green Frogs, Leopard Frogs, Gray Tree Frogs, and American Toads. There may be a late Spring Peeper or an early Bullfrog joining in. Often we hear a Barred Owl or a Great-horned Owl. Coyotes may be singing under the almost full moon. This is a symphony that you should not miss! Meet at the Bretschneider Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Twilight Walk Field Trip
2017-07-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
That period of time we call dusk and dawn is the best time to see local wildlife at their most active state. The search for food or shelter is driving the activity. Birds are singing, frogs are calling, nocturnal animals are rousing, diurnal (day time) animals are settling down. Come and hear their calls and see their habits as day turns to night. Meet at the Bretschnieder Park/Audubon parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail just a few hundred feet east of Page Road in Aurora.

Almost Full Moon Field Trip
2017-08-04 20:30 - 22:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
The August full moon is known as the Sturgeon Moon. This month it falls on Monday the 7th. The closest weekend night we could schedule is August 4th. We will not be viewing any sturgeon but we may hear Owls, Deer, Coyotes, Raccoons, Frogs and other residents of our Novak Sanctuary. Bring a flashlight because we will be completing this hike after dark. Meet at the Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Road just under a mile north of State Route 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border.

Owl Prowl Field Trip
2017-09-22 20:30 - 22:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Explore Audubon’s Aurora Sanctuary after dark for a chance to add a few night-flyers to your Bird Quest list. It is now safe to go owling as the owlets are out of the nest and learning to forage on their own under supervision of their parents. We may hear and see barred owls, great-horned owls, and Eastern screech owls. Meet at the Bretschnieder/Audubon parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Rd. in Aurora. Leader: Jim Tomko
You do not have to be registered for Bird Quest to attend this walk!

The Rookery Field Trip
2017-09-23 08:00 | The Rookery, 10110 Cedar Road, Munson Township, OH, 44026, United States
A Geauga Park District park on the Upper Middle Branch of the Chagrin River. This location has two wetlands, lots of shrubby edge and flooded woods that attract many migrant birds. Groomed trails and vault toilets. Meet by the lodge. Leader: Matt Valencic
You do not have to be registered for Bird Quest to attend this walk!

Fringed Gentians Field Trip
2017-09-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Join us for our annual autumn wildflower walk to check the status of our Fringed Gentian patch. Fringed Gentian are an uncommon native plant with the most beautiful color of blue pigmenting delicately toothed petals. Fringed Gentian are one of the last flowers to bloom in our area. We will also see the more common Closed or Bottle Gentian. If conditions are right, Ladies Tresses, which belong to the orchid family, will be in bloom. Pray for sunshine and we will have an unforgettable display! Meet at the Bretschnieder/Audubon parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Rd. in Aurora.

Autumn Color Field Trip
2017-10-21 14:30 - 16:30 | Hach-Otis Sanctuary, Skyline Drive, Willoughby Hills, OH, 44094, United States
Our autumn leaf color is among the best in the world. Of course the local weather leading up to the leaf change influences the intensity but we have the correct mix of species to really show off nature’s amazing palette. And if you have not viewed the Chagrin River gorge from the bluffs above it where our Hach/Otis Sanctuary is located then you have missed a spectacular view. Meet at the Hach/Otis parking lot at the very end of Skyline Drive off of River Road in Willoughby Hills.

Leaf Cruncher Field Trip
2017-11-12 14:00 - 16:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Have you walked the “other side” of the Novak Sanctuary? We frequently explore the west side (Aurora side) of the Novak Sanctuary but rarely go into the east side (Mantua side). There is a flock of Wild Turkey that make this section their home and much of it is a mature forest. There are several large fields to provide grassland habitat encouraging open country wildlife. Meet at the Novak Sanctuary Parking lot on the east side of Townline Road a little less than a mile North of St. Rt. 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border.

Almost Winter Solstice Field Trip
2017-12-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Have you experienced the soft, quietness of a pine forest on a winter night? If we are lucky enough to enjoy a light snow cover it enhances the feeling of solitude. Celebrate some of the shortest days and longest nights of the year with us for this evening which is the closest we could schedule to the first day of winter. Meet at the Bretschnieder Audubon parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Rd. in Aurora

Great Backyard Bird Count Field Trip
2018-02-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Join the fun of this international event where all levels of birding experience can participate either on this winter bird survey or in your own backyard. The idea is to identify and record as many species as you can recognize in as little time as 15 minutes or for as long as you desire beginning Friday, February 16th through Monday, February 19th. Then you report the list of species on an “on-line” checklist at www.birdcount.org and watch a real time map as reports from all over the world come in. This citizen science information is collected by Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society. Meet at the Bretschineder Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Waterfowl Wander Field Trip
2018-03-18 09:00 - 11:00 | La Due Reservoir, La Due Reservoir, Akron, OH, United States
I am constantly astounded by the blazing colors reflected in the resplendent breeding plumage of the drakes as they head north to their breeding grounds. This is a caravan style birding tour where we will stop at several favorite lakes and ponds in southern Geauga and northern Portage counties. Have a full tank of gas and bring some lunch money as we will end with a stop at a restaurant to tally, compare notes and share stories. Meet at the boat ramp parking lot at the end of Washington Street off of St. Rt. 44 in Auburn Corners.

Timberdoodles! Field Trip
2018-04-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
These shorebirds are a long way from the shore but they seem to love our wet fields for their courtship dance and flight display. In mild winters they start this activity as early as late February and crescendo to a peak in late March/early April. Come on out for a night display of song and dance that is like no other in our area! Please wear water-proof shoes and dress for the weather. Meet at Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Rd a little less than a mile north of St. Rt. 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border.

Spring Wild Flowers Field Trip
2018-04-28 14:00 - 16:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
We will hike the trails in quest of spring ephemeral wildflowers. There will be at least 9 or 10 species to dazzle your senses! Will we find a Trillium? With the heavy deer browsing it is unlikely. But, we know where there have been a few that in the past were missed by those hungry chow hounds. Bring your camera for some fantastic shots of springtime at its best. Meet at the Bretschnieder Park/Audubon parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail just a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Frog Fugue Field Trip
2018-05-11 20:00 - 22:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
As we approach the pond a silence settles in as if no souls were there. Then first one voice followed by another voice and another join in. Soon a full chorus of the entire symphony booms out its arrangement to delight our ears. I wonder how many species we will hear this year. One? Three? Five? Help us keep track of the songsters in and near our ponds desperately calling for company! Meet at the Bretschnieder Park/Audubon parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Rd. in Aurora.

Call to Roost Field Trip
2018-06-08 20:00 - 22:00 | Molnar Sanctuary
Many birds have a song they sing before roosting for the night. Most of you have heard American Robins singing at twilight. One of the most beautiful is the Wood Thrush. Let’s see if we will be treated to his wonderful performance. There is a chance that we will hear the ethereal, downward spiraling call of the Veery. Meet at the Molnar Sanctuary parking lot on the west side of Page Road just a few hundred yards north of Mennonite Road in Aurora.

Bank Swallows! Field Trip
2018-07-14 08:30 - 10:30 | Hach-Otis Sanctuary, Skyline Drive, Willoughby Hills, OH, 44094, United States
Have you seen a large Bank Swallow colony? These birds tunnel into a steep bank to build their nest, incubate their eggs and fledge their chicks. We are fortunate to have one of these colonies right in our Hach-Otis Sanctuary. Interestingly this is a view down on the colony instead of the usual wry- neck, up-gaze! Bring your camera for some unusual photo angles. Meet at the Hach-Otis Parking lot at the end of Skyline Drive heading east off of River Road in Willoughby Hills.

Summer Saunter Field Trip
2018-08-11 07:00 - 09:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
A summer morning walk is in order when the heat of the season is upon us. Most creatures are active before the heat of the day induces a siesta! Join us for an early morning walk to see and hear the activity as the wildlife fulfills its daily needs. Meet at the Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Rd. a little less than a mile north of St. Rt. 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border.

Fringed Gentians Field Trip
2018-09-08 14:30 - 16:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
The rare Fringed Gentian is among our most stunning of the native wildflowers. They are also among the last to bloom for the season. We are fortunate to have a patch located in the Aurora Sanctuary and on a sunny September day they open their beautiful blue blossom dazzling all who view them. Join us to see these and other autumn wildflowers in full bloom. Meet at the Bretschnieder Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.
