OOS visits Ottawa

This was not a forced march.  It was voluntary.  Yes, these people opted to get up at 6:00 AM to pack into cars and a bus to drive to a remote location within the Ottawa National Wildlife Reserve.   This is what we call "Birding".  

The OOS knows what makes these  people "tick." And most of them hope they don't get ticks whilst doing it.

photo by  Ernie Cornelius

 A two-rank line forms to hike the grassy dike out to sparrow land.  Some people will do about anything when promised the likes of Dickcissels and Henslows.

photo by  Ernie Cornelius

 Bill Thompson III, also known as BT3 led our intrepid  birders on the journey.  Our newest and possibly youngest member, Catie Strable is following close to his foot steps and soaking it all in.  Lucky girl!

photo by  Ernie Cornelius

 Dickcissels?  Yes, here is one we watched being attacked by an Eastern Kingbird. They put on quite the show.

photo by  Ernie Cornelius

 But what is this OOS?  It is people. A society, the Ohio Ornithological Society.  Check out our website at www.Ohiobirds.org and see what we are up to.  Join us for our educational conferences, or just free, fun field trips- like this one!


We are made up of all ages and abilities of bird-watching enthusiasts.

photo by  Ernie Cornelius

Young Ethan Kistler (in the green), has nearly been raised by this group!  Our world traveling birder is barely in his twenties and he has been a member since he was in his early teens.  As a child he had much to learn, and now he is teaching us... lots!

photo by  Ernie Cornelius

One of our older and wiser birders is  Dan Sanders (in red) veteran birdwatcher, with a 700 plus life list (in the ABA).  Dan is an OOS  board member, who is happy to lend his expertise to promote birding and bird science.  He and Doreen (in the blue) have contributed a great deal of information to Ohio Breeding Bird Atlas.  Their tireless efforts enable scholars to better understand breeding bird populations across Ohio.

photo by  Ernie Cornelius

Our partner for this trip was the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge system.  Ottawa is the largest expanse of wetland in Ohio and a significant refuge for birds, plants and animals of all kinds. From Bald Eagles to butterflies,  Ottawa is a center for science and nature study.  It is also frequented by birders, fisherman  and hunters alike.  Thanks U.S. Fish and Wildlife!

The OOS welcomes people of all ages to a social network of birding.  Learn from others and spread the joy. We are creating a community of birders who network in order to learn more, protect birds by education and conservation.  Are we perfect?  Not yet, but maybe if you volunteer we can become even better at what we do.  If you are not already a member I hope you'll join today.

Join the fun.  Join Ohio's Birding Network.  The Ohio Ornithological Society, free trips, more fun.  

Ottawa N.W.R. Auto Tour

There are all sorts of drive-thru opportunities in this fast paced world: hamburgers, banking and pharmacies are just a few. My favorite takes a bit longer, but is well worth the trip.

Crane Creek, as seen from the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge auto tour.

In a short hour and a half (or longer if you choose) birders can get their birding "fix" on the go. Zoom, zoom. Common Gallinule, Red-necked Phalarope, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs and a host of birds in between can be seen from the comfort of your car. OK, I admit we had to get out and really look for the phalarope, but it was so worth it!

And it is not only birds! A short walk along these dikes provides ample opportunity for excellent botanizing.
Whorled Milkweed, Asclepias verticillata

Looking rather bland and unassuming to the untrained eye, this plant was one of the highlights of my trip. It is not everyday we find this milkweed, in fact- I am not sure I can name one other place I could consistently find it closer than Adams County.

The narrow leaves might not indicate "milkweed" to most people, but a close-up look at the flower tells the tale. Besides, the monarch butterfly caterpillars can use it as a host plant, and you can't fool the monarchs!

Another huge surprise we found on today's tour, a brightly colored plover. Holy Mackeral!!! It is a Rose-breasted Plover!? What rarity can this be? Some folks were getting pretty excited.

But a few of us remembered a recent post on the Ohio Birding network List-serv. These folded nets also reminded us of the important banding work that goes on at Ottawa NWR. I have attached the notice below. It is a pretty good explanation of the rose-breasted plover.

SPECIAL THANKS: To the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge for allowing birders some additional days to tour the refuge. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to learn more about the birds, plants and even the insects that are found in our Lake Erie marshes. Thank you again, from of all Ohio's nature lovers.

PS: Birders, don't forget to buy your "Duck Stamp" which helps support the purchase and maintenance of wetland habitats.