Critter Corner: Birds on the Brain

From Mayfield Village to Highland Heights, and Gates Mills to Mayfield Heights the sounds of an early spring are hard to miss. Birds are calling to establish territories and woo their mates.

This an exciting time for amateur and experienced bird watchers. The large grassy open fields in Hillcrest make way to sparsely and heavily wooded area. The Chagrin River, feeder streams and the many man-made ponds attract even a greater variety of water loving species.

Take a moment and open your window, or take a walk in the – how many birds can you hear? How many can you identify?

Auditory memory can be aided by birds that "say their name" like the daytime killdeer (kil-dee), bobwhite (bob-white), chickadee (chic-a-dee-dee-dee), or the evening whippoorwill (whip-OR-will). If you are not sure of other songs, click here to listen to a robin, dove, finch and other local "Hillcrest Idols."

Mark your calendars for a Sunday, April 1. There will be warm-up to the Audubon Bird Walk series in the North Chagrin Nature Center from 8-10 a.m. For more information, call 440-473-3370 or go to Cleveland Metroparks website.

If being an armchair bird watcher appeals to you more than the outdoors, or if you want to test your over knowledge, then "The Big Year" starring Steve Martin and Jack Black is the movie for you. Hike or sit back, listen or watch, spring is here. The buzzards have returned to Hinckley and locals birds are putting on quite a show in your backyard.