Yeah, winter is coming and lockdown is going to be a lot worse than it was in the summer when there were outdoor places to socialize to some degree. So it’s time to start thinking about outdoor activities you can use to escape your quarantine cocoon occasionally. Our area metroparks systems offer a lot of ideas!
The Geauga Metroparks, for instance, invite people to come out to the Bird in the Hand Feeding Station at the West Woods in Russell Township between 10am and 4:30pm. Stop in a the West Woods Nature Center first to get some black oil sunflower seed and then head out to stand quietly offering this treat and watch the birds come around and even land on your hand.
They tell us, “In optimal conditions, volunteers have reported as many as 60 chickadees in 20 minutes!”
They recommend you dress warmly because you need to stand still to attract the birds. And they suggest you come alone or with only one or two others; birds don’t like crowds!
“Cold days, especially in the morning, are often the best times to visit, as birds start feeding soon after they wake up to put on fat and have energy to survive the cold weather,” they say. “Late afternoon is another good time, since birds need to stock up on nutrition before roosting somewhere for the night.”
Upon getting your seed, head out on the Trout Lily Trail and follow the signage to the spot where you can try your hand. “Parker” is a mannequin who marks the spot where you can hold out your hand with some seed and wait. He also keeps the birds familiar with a human presence at the spot (Parker is pretty realistic; then again, birds are fairly easy to fool.)
Birds come in waves, so you may need to wait a little while for the next one to come. But odds are you’ll have at least a few takers if you’re patient, taking in the peace and quiet for a handful of minutes or so.
Check here for updates and more info.
geaugaparkdistrict/birdwatching
Novelty, OH 44072