VISITORS "FLOCKING" TO OHIO STATE PARKS : OH

COLUMBUS, OH -- Ohio's woodlands, fields and marshes offer some of
the best opportunities to observe spring's migrating songbirds and
waterfowl, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
The state's strategic location at the southern tip of Lake Erie
places it directly on major flyways for these seasonal migrants and attracts
growing numbers of "birders" to parks and other natural areas.
To help visitors take advantage of some of the best opportunities
for bird watching, selected Ohio State Parks have scheduled organized
"walks" and other seasonal events. They include:
Spring Wildflower and Wild Bird Walk at Blue Rock State Park in
Muskingum County: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 19. Meet at the dam for a walk
down Hollow Rock Trail around Cutler Lake. Call 740-674-4794.
Mohican Wildlife Weekend at Mohican and Malabar Farm state parks in
Ashland and Richland counties: April 25-27. The two parks and other outdoor
attractions in the area offer a variety of programs, guided hikes and
workshops exploring the area's rich natural history. Registration is
required for some programs. Call 419-994-4290.
Birds & Buds at Van Buren State Park in Hancock County: 1 p.m. to 4
p.m. on April 26. Take a guided hike to see the kaleidoscope of spring
colors, featuring migratory birds and wildflowers. Call 419-832-7662.
Waterfowl Splash at Mary Jane Thurston State Park in Wood County: 10
a.m. to Noon on April 26. Meet at the lodge and bring field glasses or
binoculars for a morning of bird watching. Call 419-832-7662.
Spring Migration Bird Walk at Lake Hope State Park in Vinton County:
9 a.m. to Noon on May 10. Meet at the Hope Furnace parking lot and enjoy a
leisurely hike to greet colorful spring migrants. Some binoculars will be
provided. Call 740-596-5253.
Bird Migration Hike at Hueston Woods State Park in Preble County: 9
a.m. on May 10. Join the naturalist for a hike through the old-growth forest
in search of spring migrants. Call 513-523-6347.
International Migratory Bird Day at Maumee Bay State Park in Lucas
County: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 10. The nature center will host bird-banding
demonstrations, guided hikes and slide shows. Call 419-836-9117.
Whippoorwill Walk at Shawnee State Park in Scioto County: 8 p.m. to
10 p.m. on May 10. Meet at the park office and bring a flashlight for an
excursion down Lampblack Trail to listen for the haunting melodies of the
whippoorwill. Along the way, there will be an opportunity to view one of the
state's showiest and unusual wildflowers - the yellow ladies'-slipper, which
grows in abundance on the trail. Call 740-858-6652.
Nest With The Birds at Kelleys Island State Park in Ottawa County:
May 11-17. Catch the spring warbler migration and attend guided bird walks
and hike the park trails. Call 419-746-2546.
For additional information about these and other upcoming events in
Ohio State Parks, check the ODNR web site at ohiodnr.com .

Source: ODNR