Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland

Native Plants for Birds & Insects Rescheduled!
2023-05-25 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | OH
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.

Rush for Thrush! Field Trip
2023-05-12 19:30 - 21:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Did you know that there are seven species of Thrush in our area in May? We hope to set a record for the most species of Thrush seen in one of our sanctuaries in one session. The possibilities are Hermit Thrush, Wood Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Veery, American Robin, and Bluebird. We will meet at the Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Road almost a mile north of State Rt. 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border.

Lakeside Chautauqua
2023-05-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Lakeside Chautauqua, 236 Walnut Avenue, Lakeside, OH, 43440
Haven’t had enough birding programs? Join ASGC speakers Matt Valencic and Jim Tomko for “Owls of Ohio” (May 9) and “Warbler Warm-Up” (May 10) at Lakeside Chautauqua. Click HERE for admission and parking information.
Still need more? Matt Valencic will be delivering programs on “Summer Birds of NE Ohio” (May 30), “Wetland Birds of Eastern US” (May 31), and “Raptors” (also May 31). Click HERE for more information.

Frogs, frogs, frogs and toads! Field Trip
2023-04-22 20:00 - 21:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
This is a most amazing symphony directed by Mother Nature herself! Hear the banjo plucks of the Green Frogs, the piccolo pipes of the Spring Peepers, snores of the Leopard Frogs, trills of the American Toads with a chorus by the Chorus Frogs all accompanied by the percussion provided by the beaver. If we are lucky the local Barred Owls will call out their critiques of the performance! It is a most amazing night of “music”! Meet at the Brettschneider Park parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail (896 East Pioneer trail) a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Warbler Warm-up via Zoom
2023-04-20 19:00 - 20:30 | OH
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.

Woodcock Watch Field Trip
2023-04-14 19:30 - 21:00 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
If you have not had the chance to witness the amazing breeding display, then you are missing a fascinating romance of our local wildlife! At this time of year male woodcocks woo the females with a basic “soft shoe” and a simple nasal call and then take off in a wonderful flight display that must be seen to believe! Each year there are several males proclaiming to be the “best in their field”! Join us for a sunset performance that you will talk about for weeks! Meet at the Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Road about a mile north of State Route 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border.

Waterfowl at Grand Valley Ranch Field Trip
2023-03-31 08:30 - 11:30 | Grand Valley Ranch, Orwell, OH, 44076, United States
Some say the American Robin is the harbinger of spring, but the swans, ducks, geese, and shorebirds might disagree. The Land Conservancy has partnered with the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland to host a morning of birding just as waterfowl are making their strongest push north through Ohio and shorebirds are beginning to pass our way. If conditions are right, we could see up to 29 species of waterfowl, including three swans.
The Land Conservancy’s Grand Valley Ranch protects 1,200 acres of ideal habitat for waterfowl and various waterbirds. Permanently conserved in 2015, the Land Conservancy has restored the site from historical high impact uses (agriculture, mining, aquaculture, etc) to a natural, 3-mile long, flow-through wetland complex. Utilizing funds from Clean Ohio, USFWS, and the Ohio EPA, $3.5M was invested in the property to restore this ancient Tamarack Swamp!
Advanced registration is required.
Event details:
Friday, March 31 at 8:30 am to 11:30 am (Rain Date: April 14)
Leaders: Members of the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland and Renee Boronka, Manager of Education at the Land Conservancy
Fee: Free
Limit: 25 people
Location: Directions will be sent to registrants. Grand Valley Ranch is in Orwell, OH.
Register HERE

Native Plants for Birds
2023-03-22 19:00 - 20:00 | Metzenbaum Center, 8200 Cedar Road, Chesterland, OH, United States
Sponsored by Perennial Gardeners of Chesterland, presented by Matt Valencic.
Metzenbaum Center, 8200 Cedar Road, Chesterland, OH

Amphibians of NE Ohio via Zoom
2023-03-16 19:00 - 20:00 | OH
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.

Waterfowl Wander Field Trip
2023-03-11 09:00 - 12:00 | La Due Reservoir, La Due Reservoir, Akron, OH, United States
Join us to view the astounding plumage of the drakes as they head north to their breeding grounds. It is amazing to me at the number of species with the possibilities of grebes, loons, and both diving and dabbling ducks. This is a caravan style birding tour where we will stop at several favorite lakes and ponds in southern Geauga and northern Portage counties. Make sure to have a full tank of gas because gas stations are not one of our stops. Meet at the boat ramp parking lot at the end of Washington Street off of St. Rt. 44 in Auburn Corners.

Great Backyard Bird Count Field Trip
2023-02-19 09:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Join in on this international bird count that occurs this weekend throughout the world. We will count every bird we see and hear on this 2-mile walk following a path that has been surveyed this particular weekend of the year for many years. You will be contributing to our knowledge of what species use our sanctuary in the winter and this information will be submitted to e-Bird which will then be shared with interested parties throughout the world. Dress for the weather including proper footwear for snow or mud. Meet at the Brettschneider Parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

The Buzz on Bumblebees via Zoom
2023-02-16 19:00 - 20:00 | OH
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.

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

eBird 101: Getting Started via Zoom
2023-01-19 19:00 - 20:00 | OH
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.

Winter Track Walk Field Trip
2023-01-14 09:30 - 11:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Last fall a bobcat was seen in the area! I wonder if it uses our Novak Sanctuary for food or shelter. Winter is a great time to discover what other creatures use our trails as we search for tracks and other signs of their presence. This is a 2 mile walk so dress for the weather with proper footwear. We will hope for a fresh light snowfall to show the details of the tracks registering in the snow. Meet at the Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Road almost a mile north of State Route 82 on the Mantua/Aurora border.

Winter Solstice Field Trip
2022-12-16 19:30 - 20:30 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Help us celebrate the longest night of the year a few days early so as not to conflict with holiday celebrations. If we are lucky enough to have clear skies, the stars will light our way. A night hike this time of year reveals secrets of the forest and field because the leaves are down increasing our viewing while the crisp air allows sounds to travel farther. Hiking after dark seems to heighten the acuity of our non-visual senses. Join us to discover what the night-time forest unveils. 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.

Of Mast and Men via Zoom
2022-12-15 19:00 - 20:00 | OH
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.

Migrating Waterfowl via Zoom
2022-11-17 19:00 - 20:00 | OH
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.

Turkey Trek Field Trip
2022-11-05 09:30 - 11:30 | Novak Sanctuary, 382 Townline Road, Mantua, OH, 44202, United States
Will we be successful in our quest to spot Wild Turkeys before Thanksgiving? They know how to play the game of Hide and Seek extremely well. These large but wily birds are experts in blending in. Help me find the flock as they roam the sanctuary on the less traveled Mantua side of the sanctuary. Meet at the Novak Sanctuary parking lot on the east side of Townline Road a little less than a mile north of State Route 82 on the Aurora/Mantua border.

Fall Colors Field Trip
2022-10-22 13:30 - 15:30 | Hach-Otis Sanctuary, Skyline Drive, Willoughby Hills, OH, 44094, United States
Often our palette of autumn color will give the New England forests a run for title of the most stunning hues! With the mix of tree species and depending on our weather leading up to the leaf color change we can have spectacular vistas of wonderful beauty. Join us for a walk at peak color change if mother nature agrees with our timing. Meet at the Hach-Otis Parking lot at the end of Skyline Drive off of River Road in Willoughby Hills. Registration is not required.

Raptors of NE Ohio via Zoom
2022-10-20 19:00 - 20:00 | OH
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.

Fringed Gentian Field Trip
2022-09-24 13:30 - 15:30 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
The gorgeous fringed gentian is among the most stunning of our 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 purplish-blue blossoms to the sun 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. Registration is not required.

Concert of Crickets & Katydids via Zoom
2022-09-15 19:00 - 20:00 | OH
“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Great Lakes Chapter Gathering
2022-06-10 13:00 - 2022-06-11 17:00 | OH
Join Us for a Virtual Celebration of Audubon Chapters Across the Great Lakes Region!
You’re invited to the 2022 Audubon Great Lakes Chapter *Virtual* Gathering and Awards on June 10th at 12:00 PM (CT)/1:00 PM (ET). This year’s bird theme for the chapter gathering is the beloved Great Lakes Piping Plover.

Registration is free and required in order to access the virtual event site and Zoom links. Our virtual gathering will be hosted on the Whova virtual event site. Visit the event site to view the agenda, speaker profiles, attendee profiles, chapter posters, and to connect with fellow chapter members in the community area! Zoom meeting links will be available in the agenda a few minutes before each event begins.

Bird Walks (in-person)
Saturday, June 11th
Join a bird walk near you! Bird Walks will be taking place in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Note: We encourage members joining the state-based bird walks to be mindful of the risk of spreading Covid-19 and take appropriate measures to reduce that risk: e.g. maintaining a 6-ft distance from fellow walkers and/or wearing a mask.

(Illinois) Audubon Council of Illinois’ Bird Walk
(Illinois) Lake County Audubon Society’s Bird Walk
(Indiana) Robert Cooper Audubon Society’s Bird Walk
(Ohio) Greater Akron Audubon Society’s Bird Walk
(Ohio) Canton Audubon Society’s Bird Walk
(Ohio) Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society’s Bird Walk
(Wisconsin) Chequamegon Audubon Society’s Bird Walk

Please get in touch if you have questions: Izabela Grobelna, 312.453.0230 ext. 2012 or Izabela.Grobelna@audubon.org
Register HERE.

Thrush Virtuosos Field Trip
2022-05-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Aurora Audubon Sanctuary, 896 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH, 44202, United States
Those amazing natural flautists that haunt the forest with their ethereal songs at roosting time will astound your sense of hearing. Up to 4 species are likely with the maestro being the veery who actually has a syrinx that can create a duet with itself. Wear boots suitable for mud as the trails will have some muddy sections. Prepare for mosquitoes on this 2-mile walk. Meet at the Brettschneider Park/Audubon parking lot on the north side of Pioneer Trail a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Aurora.

Going for the Gold! Third Thursday Series (via Zoom)
2022-05-19 19:00 - 20:00 | OH
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.
