A Weekend of CBC

Christmas Bird Counts.

Many of my friends were in the field this weekend, doing our bit for "Citizen Science."  We count birds.  We count all the birds we can find in our section of a count circle. Lest that sound boring to you, I assure you it is a good time and generally we are keeping some pretty good company. Most of the best naturalists in Ohio participate in these counts because they know the long-term collection of this data is truly useful.

 My section of the Mansfield count has several creeks.  This deep, rocky gorge slices right through the property of the Springmill Elementary School and is one of my favorite places to walk.  It is never too birdy, but the scenery is fabulous!  A handful of Black-capped Chickadees and Tufted Titmice sing greetings from the trail's edge.

Sears Woods, Crawford County: Sunday's count
This legendary woods is an excellent spot to tally birds, and I was accompanied by one of Mid-Ohio's legendary birders- Gary Cowell.  Nothing gets past Gary's keen eyes and ears.  He has been one of my birding mentors for over eight years now, as he has led many an Audubon Bird Walk in Mohican Country.  He is always a source of new bird information and with a little coaxing, will share his knowledge.

Gary is a true outdoorsman- totally attuned to nature.  He studies the birds, their behaviors, habitats, and food sources.  In his quiet way, he has done more to promote birding and environmentally sound practices in Richland county than anyone will ever know.  He just quietly goes about doing the right thing, in his own "Gary" way.   

 Red-headed Woodpecker-    photo from Dave Lewis.

Sears Woods is a sweet spot, a State Nature Preserve in Crawford County, and a sure fired location for these magnificent birds.  We found four working the tree snags in the middle of Sears. Always a good day.

American Buffalo (Bison)  or some type of near-related BEEFalo

Lest you think these birds counts are, well- for the birds- we see loads of other interesting things.  One never knows what we will come upon in our our little counties.  I had no idea there was a herd of Bison within 30 miles of my home. 

Beautiful stream side walks, field time with friends and like minded individuals, and important data.  Who knew "Citizen Science" could be so much fun?  If you haven't come out for a CBC, get involved! 

Call a local CBC compiler (found on the Audubon calendar) and offer to join in. They will start you out right- and pair you with an accomplished birder- so there is no reason to miss out on one of winter's best events. 

Lapping up Spring Beauties

Mid-Ohio is still displaying the earliest of the spring ephemerals. A brief walk through Sears Woods in Crawford County offered stunning view of both botany and migrating Warblers. Between the two of them, it was almost more than I could bear.



Squirrel Corn, Dicentra canadensis is a little less common than its relative Dutchman's Breeches. The flowers are all white, and more heart-shaped than the pant-like shapes of that other springtime favorite. But once you smell the sweet fragrance of squirrel corn, you will understand why it is so highly prized.

Behold, the earliest of this year's crop of butterflies, the Spring Azure laps nectar from a Spring Beauty, Claytonia virginica.

Today I headed south to Shawnee State Park to attend Flora-Quest. It is hard to believe the difference 200 miles south can make in vegetation! Spring is leafing out in southern Ohio, and we are ready for an amazing event!