By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Jim Witter toted around a giant bag of birdseed to fill the feeders at Otsego Park on Tuesday, keeping the everyday and passing through birds happy.
Witter, the self-described “resident bird nerd” on the Wood County Park District staff, pointed out a warbler serenading in a huge cottonwood tree.
This week is big for Witter and countless other birders who flock to this region for the biggest week in American birding. So on Tuesday, Witter winged it through a program for the park district board on birds that can be spotted in the local parks.
He showed pictures of a Henslow’s sparrow with its olive green head and black streaks, and a dickcissel with the black “V” on its bright yellow chest, both found at Cricket Frog Cove. He pointed out the plump blue northern parula, and the bright red northern tanager, both spotted in Bradner Preserve.
“This is the reason we have so many people coming here,” Witter said.
A lot of birding novices are surprised to learn that this region is huge for migrating birds.
“It’s not majestic, like the Rocky Mountains,” Witter said.
But this is the area where birds stop off for a rest before they cross Lake Erie on their trips further north.
“They are piling up here in our area,” he explained.
That means people armed with binoculars are also piling in. “People do come from all around the country,” and from other countries, Witter explained. “It’s kind of a big deal.”
So what the Wood County Park District can offer birders that the nature preserves along Lake Erie cannot this week is peace and quiet.
“For bird people, it can get kind of crowded,” along the lake, he said.
Witter suggested people wanting plenty of elbow room as they watch for warblers and other migrating birds, should visit some of the Wood County Park District sites. The parks feature diverse habitats of grasslands, woodlands, riparian zones, rivers, and oak openings remnants.
As program director for the Wood County Park District, Witter schedules several bird programs throughout the year. There is standard bird watching, plus morning “coffee with birds,” bird hikes and social activities including the sharing of bird tattoos.
A special program is planned on May 20. The Friends of the Parks will go on a search for migrating songbirds, traveling to Cedar Creeks Preserve, Sawyer Quarry Preserve, and W.W. Knight Nature Preserve.
For newer birders, Witter suggested using the Merlin Bird ID App, which can help identify birds by their appearance and their songs.
“Bird books can be a little overwhelming,” he said.
Also at Tuesday’s park board meeting:
- Park District Director Chris Smalley announced that Corinne Gordon, the district’s historic farm specialist, is leaving to go to New Jersey. “It’s a shame to see her go,” Smalley said. A farewell party celebrating Gordon’s work at the Carter Historic Farm will be held March 16, at noon, at the farm.
- A Friends of Wood County Parks member reported the annual native plant sale will be held at the Wood County Fairgrounds on Saturday. On sale will be 49 different native flowers, four grasses and 11 shrubs and trees. There will also be some prepared collections of plants for rain gardens and butterfly gardens.
- The board went into executive session to discuss land acquisition. No action was expected to be taken.
