The search for Arctic/Canadian birds continues in Ohio

  • By Bruce Glick
  • December 6, 2012
  • 332
                        
The search for Arctic/Canadian birds continues in Ohio Bruce Glick writes a weekly column about the birds, with emphasis on the local Holmes/Wayne area. This week he reports on the northern finches that are keeping local birders busy. I can't remember a year when there has been so much excitement about northern birds. Hopefully this will continue throughout the winter, giving birders many chances to see northern birds that rarely make it this far south. Both species of crossbills continue to show up around the area. As can be expected, most of these birds don't stay in one place, rather moving constantly from one food source to another. However, there are a few places that continue to be worthwhile checking when you have time. They include Mohican State Park, the Secrest Arboretum on the south side of Wooster, and the Kidron Park. Actually, any grove of trees with lots of cones can attractive to crossbills. Last week, a biker on his way to check out the Arboretum, found 10 Red Crossbills in some pines along the road north of Fredericksburg. While driving with my wife to a funeral in northwest Ohio, we received a phone call saying that a flock of 15 Bohemian Waxwings had been sighted at Maumee Bay State Park. Although we were within 20 minutes of the location, there wasn't time enough to take a quick detour that direction. The following day, December 2, a smaller group of Bohemians were seen at the same place, feeding on berries at the parking lot close to the nature center. That was enough to convince me to try for these illusive birds. Four of us made the trip on Monday, spending almost four hours searching in vain. At one point, a flock of 15 waxwings flew into a nearby tree but they proved to be Cedar Waxwings, nary a Bohemian in the group. We did see a nice flock of 80 Snow Buntings feeding on a grassy beach close to the parking lot. As I began writing this column, another email came in, saying that a single Bohemian Waxwing had been discovered near Mosquito Lake, in the Youngstown area. I think I'll pass on that one and try to find at least one closer to home. Another hotspot for northern finches is Woodlawn Cemetery, located on the north side of Toledo, just off Interstate 75. This is a traditional spot for winter finches, since there are many attractive trees with cones and berries. A recent visit by local birders yielded lots of Pine Siskins, as well as Common Redpolls and both species of crossbills. The Northern Saw-whet Owl continues to be cooperative at the Secrest Arboretum. Check the Bobolink Rare Bird Alert for updates on this and other rare birds in our local area (330-763-5119). Another bird that has been seen several times recently at the Killbuck Wildlife Area is a Northern Shrike, always a good find this time of year. Further away, but still in the Bobolink Area, a sub-adult Golden Eagle was seen at The Wilds on November 30th by Ben Morrison. This bird can be hard to find, as evidenced by the fact that another top-notch birder had spent more than a day searching for the Golden Eagle, missing it by less than an hour after he headed for home. Keep those hummingbird feeders up and give me a call if one shows up. It could be a rare western hummer. And last but not least, don't forget the Millersburg Christmas Bird Count on Friday, December 14. If you would like to participate or count birds at your feeders that day, please send me an email or give me a call. Good birding! Bruce Glick birderbruce@yahoo.com 330-317-7798


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