June 2021

Virtual Field Trip:

Cuyahoga Valley
National Park
Bird Walk Leader: Michelle Brosius
WCAS Board Member and Field Trip Co-Coordinator
 Cuyahoga Valley National Park

“The CVNP, midway between the cities of Cleveland and Akron, has been
designated an IBA by Ohio Audubon. It consists of about 33,000 acres and its
borders encompass some units of both the Cleveland Metroparks and Metro
Parks serving Summit County…

The park is about 22 miles long (north/south) and 5 miles wide at its greatest. Its
central feature is the northward flowing Cuyahoga River accompanied by the
historic Ohio and Erie Canal, the well-maintained towpath, and by the Cuyahoga
Valley Scenic Railway. This riparian habitat is productive for birding. The valley
walls just beyond the floodplain rise on each side of the river valley, providing
extensive contiguous deciduous forest peppered with some stands of
evergreens. There is limited maintained grassland and old farm fields and a
number of small ponds. Wetlands are distributed throughout the valley…

There have been 240 species documented in the CVNP. About 110 species nest in
the valley and up to 60 species can be found in the winter.” – Ohio Ornithological
Society, Birding at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Photo: Eastern Kingbird at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Tom Fishburn

Target Species (cont.)
Scarlet Tanager
“Male Scarlet Tanagers are among the most
blindingly gorgeous birds in an eastern forest in
summer, with blood-red bodies set off by jet-
black wings and tail. They’re also one of the
most frustratingly hard to find as they stay high
in the forest canopy singing rich, burry songs.
The yellowish-green, dark-winged females can
be even harder to spot until you key in on this
bird’s chick-burr call note. In fall, males trade red
feathers for yellow-green and the birds take off
for northern South America.” – The Cornell Lab
of Ornithology, Scarlet Tanager

Photo: Scarlet Tanager at Mentor Lagoons by Tom Fishburn

Target Species (cont.)
Orioles
Baltimore Oriole
“The rich, whistling song of the Baltimore Oriole, echoing
from treetops near homes and parks, is a sweet herald of
spring in eastern North America. Look way up to find these
singers: the male’s brilliant orange plumage blazes from high
branches like a torch. Nearby, you might spot the female
weaving her remarkable hanging nest from slender fibers.
Fond of fruit and nectar as well as insects, Baltimore Orioles
are easily lured to backyard feeders.” – The Cornell Lab of
Ornithology, Baltimore Oriole

Orchard Oriole
“The Orchard Oriole swaps the typical flame-orange of other
orioles for a deep, burnished russet. Hopping among
riverine shrubs or scattered trees, male Orchard Orioles sing
a whistled, chattering song to attract yellow-green females.
The smallest of North America’s orioles, it gleans insects
from foliage and builds hanging, pouchlike nests during its
brief breeding season, and then heads back to Central
America for the rest of the year. Orchard Orioles also feed
on fruit and nectar in orchards, gardens, and elsewhere.” –
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Orchard Oriole
Photo: Baltimore Oriole at Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve by Michelle Brosius
Target Species
Wood Duck
“The Wood Duck is one of the most stunningly
pretty of all waterfowl. Males are iridescent
chestnut and green, with ornate patterns on
nearly every feather; the elegant females have a
distinctive profile and delicate white pattern
around the eye. These birds live in wooded
swamps, where they nest in holes in trees or in
nest boxes put up around lake margins. They are
one of the few duck species equipped with strong
claws that can grip bark and perch on branches.”
– The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Wood Duck

Photo: Wood Duck at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Michelle Brosius

 41 Species
Mary Ann & John Henderson
Mary Ann and John visited the park on June 2.
Yesterday, John and I visited the Kendall Lake area of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. We
had gotten a tip that Prairie Warblers were found in the Kendall Lake area. We found
them... and so much more!

If you visit Kendall Lake, we parked at the Kendall Lake Shelter lot, off Truxell Road. This
gives access to several trails. Tip for travelers: The Akron-Peninsula Road is closed, so
you'll want to enter Truxell Rd. from the Akron Cleveland Road. Just to add to your
adventure, Truxell Road has two names! It is also called Kendall Park Road. When you
finally reach the parking lot, you'll be relieved to find nice clean open restrooms.

We started with the Lake Trail, and found Hooded and Yellow Warblers and Common
Yellowthroat, but the real prize came next! At the back of the Lake, the Lake Trail gives
access to the 'Pine Hollow' area, a meadow habitat. This area was loaded with Field
Sparrows, Towhees, Indigo Buntings, and Kingbirds. We found both Prairie and Blue-
winged Warbler.

Tip! Photo: Blue-winged Warbler at Kendall Hills, CVNP

Tip for eBirders: Kendall Lake has two hotspots. Previous birders have been careful to by Tom Fishburn
segregate species accordingly. For the meadow, use the Pine Hollow Trailhead
hotspot. For the Lake Trail, use the Kendall Lake and Trail hotspot. (I only figured this
out when I got home and had to separate my list!)
Mary Ann & John Henderson (cont.)
Bird List
1. Canada Goose 17. Black-capped Chickadee 33. Red-winged Blackbird
2. Mourning Dove 18. Tufted Titmouse 34. Common Grackle
3. Killdeer 19. Tree Swallow 35. Common Yellowthroat
4. Ring-billed Gull 20. Barn Swallow 36. Blue-winged Warbler
5. Great Blue Heron 21. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 37. Hooded Warbler
6. Belted Kingfisher 22. House Wren 38. Yellow Warbler
7. Red-bellied Woodpecker 23. European Starling 39. Prairie Warbler
8. Downy Woodpecker 24. Gray Catbird 40. Northern Cardinal
9. Eastern Wood-Pewee 25. American Robin 41. Indigo Bunting
10. Great Crested Flycatcher 26. Cedar Waxwing
11. Northern Flicker 27. American Goldfinch
12. Eastern Kingbird 28. Field Sparrow
13. Warbling Vireo 29. Chipping Sparrow
14. Red-eyed Vireo 30. Song Sparrow
15. Blue Jay 31. Eastern Towhee
16. American Crow 32. Baltimore Oriole
Photo: Hooded Warbler at Kendall Lake, CVNP
by Tom Fishburn
 11 Species
Michelle Brosius
Michelle visited the park on June 5.
I visited Beaver Marsh at Cuyahoga Valley National Park on
June 5th, arriving a little later in the morning at 9:54 a.m.
when temps were already in the high 70s (°F) and would
climb throughout my visit. I took the short path that
connects the Ira Trailhead parking lot to the Ohio & Erie
Canal Towpath Trail and immediately saw a mother Wood
Duck with four ducklings in the historic canal waters.

At this point I had to pull up my Google Maps app to see

which way to Beaver Marsh as I didn’t happen to notice a
clearly marked sign, and figured that I need to head north. It
was a busy day on the Towpath, full of other walkers like me,
as well as runners and cyclists. It was great to see so many
people enjoying the national park, and the birds and other
wildlife seemed undisturbed by the human activity.

Photo: Wood Ducks at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Michelle Brosius

Michelle Brosius (cont.)

Photos: Mother Wood Duck with Two of Four Ducklings (left) and Mother Wood Duck (right) at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Michelle Brosius
 Michelle Brosius (cont.)
I also saw some pretty flowers along the Towpath that iNaturalist identified as a Dame’s Rocket and Yellow Iris.

Photos: Dame’s Rocket (left) and Yellow Iris (right) at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Michelle Brosius
 Michelle Brosius (cont.)
Further down the Towpath I found Red-winged Blackbirds, mostly females, hopping around on the Spatterdock (cow lilies). A Great
Blue Heron was also present.

Photos: Male Red-winged Blackbird (left) and Female Red-winged Blackbird (right) at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Michelle Brosius
Michelle Brosius (cont.)

Photos: Female Red-winged Blackbirds Hopping on Spatterdock at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Michelle Brosius
 Michelle Brosius (cont.)
I finally reached the boardwalk area of Beaver Marsh and
was greeted by another Great Blue Heron perched on a tree
out in the open over the marsh. I also saw an Eastern
Kingbird and Tree Swallows buzzing over the marsh. The Tree
Swallows had a cavity nest in a dead tree really close to the
boardwalk, but they were too quick for my camera.

There were also dragonflies and damselflies enjoying the

morning.

Photo: Great Blue Heron at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Michelle Brosius

Michelle Brosius (cont.)

Photos: Great Blue Heron at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Michelle Brosius

Michelle Brosius (cont.)

Photos: Eastern Kingbird at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Michelle Brosius

Michelle Brosius (cont.)

Photos: Eastern Kingbird at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Michelle Brosius

Michelle Brosius (cont.)

Photos: Common Green Darner (left) and Ebony Jewelwing (right) at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Michelle Brosius
 Michelle Brosius (cont.)
At this point I continued north beyond the boardwalk
and came to a lovely view of the Cuyahoga River with an
informational sign regarding restoring the Cuyahoga’s
floodplain. Human development impacts a healthy
floodplain as rainwater doesn’t drain naturally from
parking lots and even the Towpath Trail, creating flash
flooding. The force of flash floods cause damage to the
environment, deepening natural waterways, eroding
riverbanks, and disrupting aquatic life. However, wetland
areas, like Beaver Marsh, hold water and therefore
naturally contain flooding. The floodplain is also
conserved by volunteers planting native trees along the
river to hold soil in place when it rains.

Photo: View of the Cuyahoga River on the Towpath Trail Near Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Michelle Brosius
Michelle Brosius (cont.)
I decided to turn back and head south along the
Towpath. As I was walking along, I heard a loud crack,
which made me stop in my tracks and right in front of me
dropped a chunk of bark! At that moment a runner was
passing me. We made eye contact… and I know her!
Sarah and I are friends from the Ohio Certified Volunteer
Naturalist program and have been birding together as
recently as this spring! She indicated she needed to
finish her run to the other side of the marsh and would
meet me there. She left, and I continued along my way
and soon came across a female Red-winged Blackbird,
this time, up in a tree. I was taking photos of this bird
when another photographer stopped to ask if I had seen
anything good. Bob told me about an Eastern Kingbird’s
nest back toward the marsh. We decided to head back
that way together and saw a snapping turtle and another
Wood Duck family.

Photo: Female Red-winged Blackbird at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Michelle Brosius

Michelle Brosius (cont.)

Photos: Female Red-winged Blackbird at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Michelle Brosius

Michelle Brosius (cont.)

Photos: Female Wood Duck at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Michelle Brosius

Michelle Brosius (cont.)

Photos: Female Wood Duck at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Michelle Brosius

Michelle Brosius (cont.)

Photos: “Happiest” Juvenile Wood Duck at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Michelle Brosius
Michelle Brosius (cont.)

Photos: Juvenile Wood Duck at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Michelle Brosius

Michelle Brosius (cont.)

Photos: Juvenile Wood Duck at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Michelle Brosius

Michelle Brosius (cont.)

Photos: Mom with Juvenile Wood Duck (left) and Snapping Turtle (right) at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Michelle Brosius
Michelle Brosius (cont.)
Bob and I continued along the Towpath once more and
met up with my friend Sarah. I had been taking so long
with photography that she had decided to come back
through the marsh to find me. The three of us soon came
to the Eastern Kingbird nest. It was so high up and
obscured by leaves that I would have never found it on
my own, even knowing it was in the area, so I’m glad Bob
had decided to walk back with me.

My visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park proved to be

successful with at least one of the target species seen.
The park also proved to be a good place to run into
friends and make new ones!

Photo: Eastern Kingbird Nest at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Michelle Brosius

Michelle Brosius (cont.)
Bird List
1. Wood Duck
2. Great Blue Heron
3. Turkey Vulture
4. Northern Flicker
5. Eastern Kingbird
6. Tree Swallow
7. Gray Catbird
8. American Robin
9. Song Sparrow
10. Red-winged Blackbird
11. Common Grackle

Photo: Juvenile Wood Duck at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Michelle Brosius

 52 Species
Al Rand
Al visited the park FIVE times!
Made a total of five trips to the CVNP throughout June. Visited
the Station Rd Towpath Trail on the Summit County side on June
5th. Lured my folks to come along in hopes of seeing an Eastern
Screech Owl and nesting Prothonotary Warblers. We found
neither, however, the trip paid off because my folks got their first
good looks at an Indigo Bunting. Three trips were to the Jaite Mill
Park Headquarters, starting on June 10th, where I walked the
tracks in search of Yellow-breasted Chats. Just before the
intersection of the Buckeye Trail, I heard what I thought was the
Chat. I listened for about 15 minutes, but couldn't find the bird.
Then, out flew a Brown Thrasher around the same time some
weather rolled. Defeated, I decided to cut the trip short; glad I
brought my umbrella. Took the same approach on June 19th with
no luck again. But finally, the Chat made an appearance on June
20th. Although it was not a lifer, it was still rewarding to finally
see one in county. The take-away was learning the nuances of the
location, bug spray is a must. I was fortunate not to pick up any
ticks, but others I know who visited the area weren't. After
accomplishing my goal, I headed to the Brookside Marsh where a
Least Bittern was reported earlier in the week. No bittern and
nothing else spectacular bird-wise, but the plants and insects
kept me occupied. Including the Chat, I identified 52 species. Photo: Yellow-breasted Chat at Jaite Mill Park Headquarters, CVNP
by Al Rand
Al Rand (cont.)

Photos: Stormy Weather at Cuyahoga Valley National Park by Al Rand

 Al Rand (cont.)
Bird List
1. Canada Goose 17. Willow Flycatcher
2. Mallard 18. Acadian Flycatcher
3. Rock Pigeon 19. Great Crested Flycatcher
4. Mourning Dove 20. Eastern Kingbird
5. Chimney Swift 21. Black-capped Chickadee
6. Ruby-throated 22. Warbling Vireo
Hummingbird 23. Blue Jay
7. Great Blue Heron 24. American Crow
8. Great Egret 25. Tufted Titmouse
9. Turkey Vulture 26. Tree Swallow
10. Red-shouldered Hawk 27. Barn Swallow
11. Downy Woodpecker 28. White-breasted Nuthatch
12. Hairy Woodpecker 29. Carolina Wren
13. Northern Flicker 30. European Starling
14. Red-bellied Woodpecker 31. Gray Catbird
15. Pileated Woodpecker 32. Brown Thrasher
Photo: Sweet Pea (Genus Lathyrus) at Cuyahoga Valley National Park by Al Rand
16. Eastern Wood-Pewee 33. Eastern Bluebird
Al Rand (cont.)
Bird List (cont.)
34. Wood Thrush 50. Northern Cardinal
35. American Robin 51. Rose-breasted Grosbeak
36. Cedar Waxwing 52. Indigo Bunting
37. House Finch
38. American Goldfinch
39. Chipping Sparrow
40. Song Sparrow
41. Swamp Sparrow
42. Eastern Towhee
43. Yellow-breasted Chat
44. Baltimore Oriole
45. Red-winged Blackbird
46. Brown-headed Cowbird
47. Common Grackle
48. Common Yellowthroat
Photo: Blue-tipped Dancer at Cuyahoga Valley National Park by Al Rand 49. Yellow Warbler
 40 Species
Lisa Gerbec
Lisa visited the park on June 11 and June 22.
At the Beaver Marsh on June 11, I headed North
on the path and saw many Wood Ducks. I
watched as a muskrat tried, unsuccessfully, to
catch a duckling. A Pileated Woodpecker was
looking for a meal in the downed trees along the
river as the CVNP train roared by. I found a pair of
Indigo Buntings that were enjoying the seed
heads on the grass. I saw many young birds along
the path including two American Robin nests, and
White-breasted Nuthatches and Cedar Waxwings
feeding their fledglings. An Orchard Oriole pair
were flying in and out feeding their nestlings. A
Northern Flicker arrived to feed its noisy young. I
watched as a Tree Swallow defended its nest. I
was surprised to see so many flies on the
Spatterdock that was just opening. In the marsh I
spotted a Great Blue Heron, an Eastern Kingbird
looking for a meal and a Belted Kingfisher posed
for me before he rattled off.

Photo: Wood Ducks at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Lisa Gerbec

Lisa Gerbec (cont.)

Photos: Wood Duck (left) and Wood Ducklings (right) at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Lisa Gerbec
Lisa Gerbec (cont.)

Photos: Muskrat (left) and Green Heron (right) at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Lisa Gerbec
Lisa Gerbec (cont.)

Photos: Pileated Woodpecker (left) and Indigo Bunting (right) at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Lisa Gerbec
Lisa Gerbec (cont.)

Photos: White-breasted Nuthatches at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Lisa Gerbec

Lisa Gerbec (cont.)

Photos: American Robin in Nest (left) and Cedar Waxwing (right) at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Lisa Gerbec
Lisa Gerbec (cont.)

Photos: Male Orchard Oriole (left) and Female Orchard Oriole (right) at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Lisa Gerbec
Lisa Gerbec (cont.)

Photos: Northern Flicker (left) and Great Blue Heron (right) at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Lisa Gerbec
Lisa Gerbec (cont.)

Photos: Tree Swallow (left) and Eastern Kingbird (right) at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Lisa Gerbec
Lisa Gerbec (cont.)

Photos: Belted Kingfisher (left) and Small Flies on Spatterdock (right) at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Lisa Gerbec
 Lisa Gerbec (cont.)
Bird List
1. Wood Duck 17. Black-capped 32. Orchard Oriole
2. Mourning Dove Chickadee 33. Baltimore Oriole
3. Great Blue Heron 18. Tufted Titmouse 34. Red-winged
4. Green Heron 19. Tree Swallow Blackbird

5. Red-tailed Hawk 20. White-breasted 35. Brown-headed

Nuthatch Cowbird
6. Belted Kingfisher
21. House Wren 36. Common Grackle
7. Red-bellied
Woodpecker 22. Carolina Wren 37. Common
23. Gray Catbird Yellowthroat
8. Pileated Woodpecker
24. Veery 38. Yellow Warbler
9. Northern Flicker
25. American Robin 39. Northern Cardinal
10. Eastern Wood-Pewee
26. Cedar Waxwing 40. Indigo Bunting
11. Willow Flycatcher
Photo: Green Heron at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Lisa Gerbec 27. House Sparrow
12. Eastern Kingbird
13. Warbling Vireo 28. American Goldfinch

14. Red-eyed Vireo 29. Song Sparrow

15. Blue Jay 30. Swamp Sparrow

16. American Crow 31. Eastern Towhee

 22 Species
Shaun Missig
Shaun visited the preserve THREE times!
Dates Visited: 6/7, 6/8, 6/13

I have been visiting parts of the Cuyahoga Valley

National Park for years now. However, it was
originally for riding my bike on the Towpath. This was
the first time I had visited with the intentions of
photographing wildlife there. During each of my
visits, I made sure to visit the Beaver Marsh, Indigo
Lake, and Station Rd areas.

The Beaver Marsh is a beautiful area filled with

wildlife and I spent a great deal of time there. On the
trail leading to the boardwalk, I found a few female
Red-winged Blackbirds who were flying from plant to
plant within the water looking for food. A few times
they would emerge with a small caterpillar or bug
and then they would fly off. They were a lot of fun to
watch, and sometimes would get very close to where
I was standing. The males would occasionally fly
through as well, but they were usually just making
noise or observing from a high up perch.
Photo: Female Red-winged Blackbird at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Shaun MIssig
Shaun Missig (cont.)

Photos: Red-winged Blackbirds at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Shaun Missig

Shaun Missig (cont.)
I also found a few snapping turtles along the way to the main
boardwalk. They were smaller in size, but they patrolled the
water like they owned it. Moss and vegetation covered most of
their shells and they would poke their heads out every once in
a while for air. Once I made it to the main boardwalk, there
were many more birds flying around and the majority of these
were Tree Swallows. I feel like I have seen many more Tree
Swallows this year compared to previous years, but maybe
that’s because I’m actually paying attention. For whatever the
reason may be, I’m certainly not complaining. I quickly spotted
2 nests within trees out in the marsh. 1 of these nests
happened to be fairly close to the extended area of the
boardwalk. The Tree Swallows nesting there were very active
and were not bothered by me or any of the other people who
were there. I spent a good amount of time watching them take
turns feeding the young and guarding the nest. The second
nest that I had seen was further away, but the birds were just
as active. With that nest I was able to witness much more of
the Tree Swallows acrobatics as they caught bugs to feed their
young. I will always stop to watch these highly skilled flyers!

Photo: Snapping Turtle at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Shaun Missig

Shaun Missig (cont.)

Photos: Tree Swallows at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Shaun Missig

Shaun Missig (cont.)

Photos: Tree Swallows at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Shaun Missig

Shaun Missig (cont.)

When I reached the second extension of the boardwalk, I

found the biggest snapping turtle I’ve ever seen! At first, I
wasn’t sure if it was a turtle or something else in the
water. Its face was not visible to me and with its shell being
covered in moss, it mostly blended in. It wasn’t until it
started to move that I saw the giant claws on its feet, and
then I saw its head. As it moved, it pushed a lot of water and
caused a lot of disturbance to the surrounding area. With
how gracefully it was moving through the water, you would
like to think of it as a “gentle giant” but snapping turtles are
anything but gentle! Good thing it was in the water and I was
on the boardwalk. I did spot a Great Blue Heron in the
distance preening itself, but almost looked right past it. It
almost completely blended in with the vegetation around
it. As I continued my way up the path, I saw several families
of Wood Ducks! Each family was of a different size and the
ducklings all appeared to be of different ages as well. These
were the cutest ducklings I had ever seen, and I took my fair
share of pictures before mama led the ducklings out of the
area.

Photo: Snapping Turtle at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Shaun Missig

Shaun Missig (cont.)

Photos: Great Blue Heron (left) and Wood Duck (right) at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Shaun Missig
Shaun Missig (cont.)

Photos: Wood Duck at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Shaun Missig

Shaun Missig (cont.)
I also found some interesting butterflies, dragonflies, and
damselflies in the area as well. The most interesting was a
butterfly that looked like its wings were made of fire! What I
found even more interesting about this creature was that when I
looked it up, every source came back with the name “Question
Mark”. Although I didn’t really understand the name, I found it to
be a beautiful creature and I was able to capture a few shots as it
was basking in the sun. In this same area, I also found a few male
Ebony Jewelwing damselflies flying around and landing on sunny
leaves. These damselflies can be easily identified by their metallic
blue-green bodies paired with black wings. It’s amazing what
you’ll find when you stop to take a look! My walk back to the
parking area yielded more of the same species each time and
made for a great walk!

Photo: Question Mark Butterfly at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Shaun Missig

Shaun Missig (cont.)

Photos: Blue Dasher Dragonfly (left) and Ebony Jewelwing Damselfly (right) at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Shaun Missig
Shaun Missig (cont.)
Indigo Lake was my second stop for each trip. I used
this spot as a place to rest and took in the beauty of
the surrounding area. The views at Indigo Lake are truly
unique and provide a peaceful atmosphere to relax. I
did walk up the paths there, but I was not able to
capture anything. The temperature was high each time
I was there, and the birds were hiding deep in the
forest. I heard many, but could not see them.

Photo: View at Indigo Lake, CVNP by Shaun Missig

 Shaun Missig (cont.)
Station Road was the final place I stopped on all of my
trips. This place was very familiar to me, as I used to
fish at the dam (now removed) and I would start my
towpath bike riding journeys here as well. I have
always found this area to be quite beautiful no matter
what time of year, and there is always plenty of
wildlife. I started out going to the left of the bridge
where the dam used to be. It was weird seeing the
water that low and the river now being wide open, but
it was still a wonderful view. On my way back I checked
for one of the resident Screech Owls, but did not see it.
I then walked up the towpath to the right of the bridge
and didn’t find much of anything out and about that
way either. It didn’t help that it was hot (above 80
degrees) each time I was there. I made my way back to
the bridge and this was where I found all of the species
I saw on my trips. On 6/8 I spotted a Common
Yellowthroat (Lifer), which despite their name, have
not been very common for me! This was the first one I
have seen and was also my first lifer for this location.

Photo: Northern Cardinal at Station Road, CVNP by Shaun Missig

Shaun Missig (cont.)
My 2nd lifer came on my final visit (6/13), and it was a
female Cerulean Warbler! I was hoping to spot a
male, but did not find one. At first, I thought this was
possibly a female goldfinch, since it was further away
and I couldn’t see too much detail. It wasn’t until I
was going through my images that I found it to be the
female Cerulean Warbler. A truly wonderful
surprise! There were also a few Cedar Waxwings
flying around the area as well. These birds have
always fascinated me with the way their feathers look
so smooth. They are also a bird I don’t see too often,
so I always enjoy seeing them when I do. A flyover
from a Great Blue Heron and a Red-shouldered Hawk
made for a pleasant view in the sky.

The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a beautiful and

well preserved area that makes for a wonderful visit
any time of year! I look forward to visiting during
Autumn to catch the leaves as the change colors and
fall into the surrounding areas.

Photo: Female Cerulean Warbler at Station Road, CVNP by Shaun Missig

Shaun Missig (cont.)

Photos: Female Cerulean Warbler at Station Road, CVNP by Shaun Missig

Shaun Missig (cont.)

Photos: Female Cerulean Warbler (left) and Cedar Waxwing (right) at Station Road, CVNP by Shaun Missig
 Shaun Missig (cont.)
Bird List
1. American Robin 16. Willow Flycatcher
2. Northern Cardinal 17. Common Yellowthroat
3. Blue Jay 18. Turkey Vulture
4. Red-winged Blackbird 19. Tufted Titmouse
5. Gray Catbird 20. Red-shouldered Hawk
6. Wood Duck 21. Hairy Woodpecker
7. White-breasted Nuthatch 22. Cerulean Warbler (female)
8. Great Blue Heron
9. Black-capped Chickadee
10. Brown-headed Cowbird
11. Downy Woodpecker
12. Yellow Warbler
13. Mourning Dove
14. Cedar Waxwing
15. Song Sparrow

Photo: Willow Flycatcher at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Shaun Missig

 67 Species
Nancy Howell
Nancy visited the park FOUR times!
I liked June’s virtual field trip since participants could go anywhere in
the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. I think I “cheated” a little on this
one since I am in the CVNP each Monday with the Ira Rd. Birding
group, so perhaps it is a bit unfair since there are many of us in the
group that add to the bird list.

I visited the Ira Rd. Beaver Marsh area of the CVNP 4 times - June 7,
14, 21 and 28. The group walks between Ira Rd. parking lot to Indigo
Lake parking lot one week, then travels the opposite direction the
next. Everyone in the group does a bang-up job of locating birds, bird
nests and pointing out the birds, and bird calls and songs. We all learn
from each other. The group also is wonderful at one more thing,
“jibber-jabber”, as we talk about all kinds of things, nature primarily,
as we walk. However, when a bird is spotted or heard, everyone is on
point!

It is good to bird an area repeatedly as it is like a survey so we can see

and document the ebbs and flows of species throughout the year, as
well as the surprises that show up. We are able to watch nests being
constructed, young fledge and be fed by adults, and see other bird
behaviors. Again, all of us observing, discussing and then looking up
information. Photo: Eastern Kingbird at Beaver Marsh, CVNP
by Michelle Brosius
Nancy Howell (cont.)
Of the 67 species that were noted during the 4 visits, here are some
more interesting notes. Canada Geese were almost non-existent
during the month. They nest at the marsh, but nests are generally
destroyed by predators (raccoon, mink and possibly otter). When
the geese molt their flight feathers the birds seem to disappear as
they are vulnerable when flightless. Wood Ducks seem to have
better luck with young and many Wood Duck hens with broods are
counted. Mallards also are scarce at the marsh with very few nests
or young seen and we aren’t sure why.

This year the Spotted Sandpipers were able to nest on a gravel

island in the Cuyahoga River. Only 2 young have been seen with the
adults, usually they have 4 eggs. The lack of heavy rains that brings
the river level up allowed the sandpipers to nest relatively
successfully, or at least without getting their nests washed away
during a flood event. Great Blue Heron and Green Heron are
regulars, but one species not seen on these 4 dates in June were
Belted Kingfisher …. we don’t know why. Raptors are hit or miss,
with some weeks having 2 or 3 species and other weeks, none. Also
note that Bald Eagles are missing from the list, just not sighted on
those dates and at the time we were out.
Photo: Wood Duck at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Michelle Brosius
Nancy Howell (cont.)

With a diversity of habitats, not just wetlands, the songbirds

were varied with a good selection of birds in the flycatcher,
vireo, and blackbird families. This year was a good year for
nesting Orchard and Baltimore Orioles. The number of species
of warblers is fairly low, but it is nice to get Blue-winged
Warbler and American Redstart periodically.

Photo: Red-winged Blackbird at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Tom Fishburn

 Nancy Howell (cont.)
Bird List
1. Canada Goose 17. Red-bellied Woodpecker
2. Wood Duck 18. Downy Woodpecker
3. Mallard 19. Hairy Woodpecker
4. Mourning Dove 20. Pileated Woodpecker
5. Chimney Swift 21. Northern Flicker
6. Ruby-throated 22. Eastern Wood-Pewee
Hummingbird 23. Acadian Flycatcher
7. Killdeer 24. Willow Flycatcher
8. Spotted Sandpiper 25. Great Crested Flycatcher
9. Great Blue Heron 26. Eastern Kingbird (nest)
10. Green Heron 27. White-eyed Vireo
11. Turkey Vulture 28. Yellow-throated Vireo
12. Osprey 29. Warbling Vireo
13. Cooper’s Hawk 30. Red-eyed Vireo
14. Broad-winged Hawk 31. Blue Jay
15. Red-shouldered Hawk 32. American Crow
Photo: Great Blue Heron at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Michelle Brosius
16. Red-tailed Hawk 33. Black-capped Chickadee
Nancy Howell (cont.)
Bird List (cont.)
34. Tufted Titmouse 50. Chipping Sparrow 66. Rose-breasted Grosbeak
35. Northern Rough-winged 51. Song Sparrow (with young)
Swallow 52. Swamp Sparrow 67. Indigo Bunting
36. Tree Swallow (nest) 53. Eastern Towhee
37. Barn Swallow 54. Orchard Oriole (nest)
38. White-breasted Nuthatch 55. Baltimore Oriole (nest)
39. Carolina Wren 56. Red-winged Blackbird
40. European Starling (nest)
41. Gray Catbird 57. Brown-headed Cowbird
42. Eastern Bluebird 58. Common Grackle
43. Veery 59. Blue-winged Warbler
44. Wood Thrush 60. Common Yellowthroat
45. American Robin (nest) 61. Hooded Warbler
46. Cedar Waxwing 62. American Redstart
47. House Sparrow (nest) 63. Yellow Warbler
48. House Finch 64. Scarlet Tanager
Photo: Red-winged Blackbird (female) at Beaver 49. American Goldfinch 65. Northern Cardinal
Marsh, CVNP by Shaun Missig
 Tom Fishburn
Tom visited the park twice!
In summer when birds settle in to start new families, I hope to
see resident birds in their breeding areas. Surprising to me this
year is that I have learned of an uncommon species to north-
east Ohio possibly nesting in the Cuyahoga Valley. The Prairie
Warbler became my personal target species starting back in
May. I did not hear of these being here last year. But this year
when I heard they were back “again” I contacted the observer
who kindly gave me directions to Kendall Hills.

After my May visits, I visited the CVNP in June twice. Besides

the Kendall Hills and Kendall Lake areas I also made it to the
Beaver Marsh towpath area. At or near the Beaver Marsh I was
happy to see several young Wood Ducks at different stages of
growth. And at least one newly fledged Red-winged Blackbird
was begging, but its Mom only seemed interested in getting it
to fly and hunt for itself. I was happy to see several regulars
along the towpath trail like Tree Swallows, plus a Cedar
Waxwing and a Willow Flycatcher that stood out to me as
special.

Photo: Prairie Warbler at Kendall Hills, CVNP in May 2021 by Tom Fishburn
Tom Fishburn (cont.)

Photos: Prairie Warbler in May 2021 (left) and in June 2021 (middle and right) at Kendall Hills, CVNP by Tom Fishburn
Tom Fishburn (cont.)

Photos: Wood Duck at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Tom Fishburn

Tom Fishburn (cont.)

Photos: Wood Duck at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Tom Fishburn

Tom Fishburn (cont.)

Photos: Red-winged Blackbird Fledgling (left) and Red-winged Blackbird Mom with Fledgling (right) at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Tom Fishburn
Tom Fishburn (cont.)

Photos: Red-winged Blackbird Fledgling (left) and Red-winged Blackbird Mom with Fledgling (right) at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Tom Fishburn
Tom Fishburn (cont.)

Photos: Tree Swallows at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Tom Fishburn

Tom Fishburn (cont.)

Photos: Cedar Waxwing (left) and Willow Flycatcher (right) at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Tom Fishburn
Tom Fishburn (cont.)

On my first June visit to the Kendall

Hills/Kendall Lake area I was happy to
see two Field Sparrows and a Hooded
Warbler beside one Prairie Warbler. My
second visit there was less productive
for birds but I was glad to be behind a
bush when a Belted Kingfisher flew my
way. It perched over the water for a
few seconds. But when it noticed me, it
didn’t stay long.

Photo: Hooded Warbler (left) and Belted Kingfisher (right) at Kendall Lake, CVNP by Tom Fishburn
Tom Fishburn (cont.)

Photos: Field Sparrow at Kendall Hills, CVNP by Tom Fishburn

Tom Fishburn (cont.)

Photos: Aurora Damsel damselfly (left) and Variable Dancer (formerly Violet Dancer) (right) at Kendall Lake, CVNP by Tom Fishburn
Tom Fishburn (cont.)

Photos: Cinnamon Fern at Kendall Lake, CVNP (left) and Peck’s Skipper at Kendall Hills, CVNP (right) by Tom Fishburn
Tom Fishburn (cont.)

Photos: Twelve-spotted Skimmer at Kendall Lake, CVNP (left) and Little Wood Satyr at Kendall Hills, CVNP by Tom Fishburn
Thank you!
Mary Ann and John Henderson
Al Rand
Lisa Gerbec
Nancy Howell
Shaun Missig
Tom Fishburn

&

The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) for

Cuyahoga Valley National Park!

Suggested Sites:
• Beaver Marsh (Ira Trailhead): 3801 Riverview Road,
Cuyahoga Falls 44264
• Station Road Railroad: 13512 Station Road,
Brecksville, Ohio 44141
• Station Road Towpath Trail: 9141 Riverview Road,
Brecksville, Ohio, 44141
• Virginia Kendall Lake: Truxell Road, Peninsula, Ohio
44264

Visit wcaudubon.org for more virtual field trip

opportunities!
Photo: Red-winged Blackbird Fledgling at Beaver Marsh, CVNP by Tom Fishburn