WHAT IS A COAC? 
May 2019 - July 2019
Field Trips……....
Maps and
Directions……....
Volunteers and
Fundraising……..
Programs…….….
News…………....
> CONNECT  for various and common problems among Audubon chapters and affiliates, in some cases
WESTERN CUYAHOGA AUDUBON
4310 Bush Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44109
> ​(216) 741-2352
> ​info@wcaudubon.org
> ​www.wcaudubon.org
> FIND US ONLINE
> f​ acebook.com/wcaudubon
> t​ witter.com/wcaudubon
> y​ outube.com/wcaudubon
> f​ lickr.com/wcaudubon
>​ wcaudubon.org  The Feathered Flyer  1
By Nancy Howell, Board member of Western Cuyahoga Audubon and the Council of 
Ohio Audubon Chapters 
2-3
“It is imperative that Audubon chapters, like Western Cuyahoga Audubon, affiliated
organizations, and individuals - “speak in a common voice” and continue to lead the way -
4 as the founders of COAC envisioned.”
Perhaps you have attended a WCAS program meeting, looked at the WCAS website, or
glanced through ​The Feathered Flyer​ newsletter and have run across the letters COAC.
5
The acronym stands for the ​C​ouncil of ​O​hio​ ​A​udubon ​C​hapters of which Western
Cuyahoga Audubon is a part.
6
In its early years the organization was called Ohio Audubon Council and was begun “to
7
coordinate the thoughts and programs of the Audubon chapters and affiliates of Ohio, to
speak in a common voice on important conservation issues, to act as a sounding board
to consolidate efforts in field activities, to act as a liaison with the National Audubon
Society and, to act as a center for the dissemination of information.” That statement has
withstood the test of time.
As with many organizations, COAC has had its ups and downs. At its strongest, 19
Audubon chapters were part of the organization, covering more than 60% of urban,
suburban and rural areas of Ohio. When COAC had a 12 year hiatus due to changes in
leadership, a number of chapters struggled. Today, 15 Audubon chapters remain covering
less than 30% of the state. The organization asks - why? Was it the lack of people
stepping up and keeping up with changes?
With today’s political climate, with environmental concerns, with so much social media,
Audubon, as an environmental organization, needs to be leading the way. It is imperative
that Audubon chapters, like Western Cuyahoga Audubon, affiliated organizations, and
individuals - “speak in a common voice” and continue to lead the way - as the founders of
COAC envisioned. ​(continued on page 2...)
​< 
 wcaudubon.org May 2019 - July 2019

Photo: Springfield Bog by Tom Fishburn.

(...continued from page 1) ​A revitalized COAC needs Western Cuyahoga Audubon, affiliates with like-minded missions, it
needs individuals to step up. The present Mission Statement of COAC says, “COAC is to aid chapter development in
strength, growth, and leadership through dialogue and networking between the Chapters, affiliates, individuals, and the
National Audubon Society; and to provide an independent, collective voice of Ohio chapters and affiliates in all Audubon
affairs”. We at WCAS have been a driving force in rejuvenating COAC by running and participating in workshops, joining in
conference calls, having our members on the COAC Board. In addition, WCAS will communicate with all of our chapter
members and guests to bring aboard individuals and organizations who want to help make a difference.

Audubon is not just for birds, but encompasses the entire system that birds, wildlife that ​we​ need. Clean water, clean air,
food not tainted with herbicides or pesticides, and a safe place to live. Birds are the enjoyment for many, but they are
also environmental barometers. Please consider raising your hand … your voice and your thoughts … and join us,
Western Cuyahoga Audubon, in making the Council of Ohio Audubon Chapters that collective voice. ​Subscribe to the
COAC Social Network​ for updates and connect to new opportunities.

BIRD WALKS AND FIELD TRIPS >>>

 

 
Photos (left to right): May Birders by Penny O’Connor; Bluebird by Ray Burns; Cloud Burst Birding and Mirror Tree by Penny O’Connor.

Second Saturday Bird Walks at Rocky River Nature Center  

UPCOMING DATES: ​May 11, 2019​ / J​ une 8, 2019​ /​ July 13, 2019 
Ken Gober, Dave Graskemper, and Bill Deininger lead walks on the second Saturday of each month at 9:00 AM on trails
around the Rocky River Reservation, home of the Rocky River Important Bird Area. New to birding? Grab some
binoculars and join us. You’ll be amazed how fast you can learn birds by sight and sound. Walks begin at the Rocky River
Nature Center parking lot, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH and are provided at no charge to the public.  

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 wcaudubon.org May 2019 - July 2019

> Tue, May 14, 6:30 PM 

Early Evening Bird Walk at LENSC 

Date & Time: Tue, May 14, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.  
Location: ​Lake Erie Nature and Science Center, 28728 Wolf 
Rd, Bay Village, OH 44140  
Target Species: ​Warblers, Barred Owls, Red-headed 
Woodpeckers 

Description:​ ​The southern shore of Lake Erie is one of the

principal stopovers for migrating warblers in need of rest Above: Red-headed Woodpecker​ (Melanerpes
erythrocephalus) ​by David Lewis.
and refueling enroute to their nesting grounds in Canada.
We’ll walk the woods and fields of Huntington Reservation.
Chances are very good for a look at nesting Barred Owls
and Red-headed Woodpeckers.

> Sat, June 15, 7:00 AM 

Hotspot Field Trip  

Date & Time: ​Sat, June 15, 2019 at 7:00 a.m. 
Location: North Olmsted RTA Park-n-Ride, 5 ​ 575 Great 
Northern Blvd, North Olmsted, OH 44070 
Above: ​Red Knot ​(Calidris canutus)​ by Hans Hillewaert via
Leader: Tim Colborn  Wikimedia Commons.
Target Species: Nesting Grassland Birds 
Description:​ ​Mid-June is prime nesting time for grassland
birds. Leader Tim Colborn will take us to grassland
hotspots in Northeast Ohio. Where? Leader's choice,
depending on best opportunities to see these birds based
on current conditions and sightings.

> Sun, August 4, 8:00 AM 

Field Trip to Howard Marsh Metropark 

Date & Time: Sun, August 4, 2019 at 8:00 a.m.  Above: ​White-throated Sparrow ​(Zonotrichia albicollis)​ by
Tom Fishburn.
Location: 611 S. Howard Rd. Curtice, OH 43412 
Leader: ​Tim Colborn 
Target Species: Migrating S
​ horebirds 
Description:​ Elegant migrating shorebirds grace the Lake
Erie marshes on their way south after nesting in the Arctic.
Howard Marsh is about 90 miles from the west side of
Cleveland. It is a new addition to the Toledo Metroparks.
Restored wetlands host more than 100 species in July and
August, including multiple species of shorebirds.

Answers to Bird Quiz: 1. Grosbeak 2. Puffin 3. Flicker 4. Crane 5.

Cowbird 6. Cardinal 7. Emu 8. Crossbill 9. Blue Jay 10. Tree Swallow Above: L​esser Yellowlegs​ ​(​Tringa flavipes​)​ ​by Kathy Murphy.

 
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 wcaudubon.org May 2019 - July 2019

MAPS AND DIRECTIONS >>>

 

NORTH OLMSTED RTA PARK-N-RIDE 

Directions:​ Meet at North Olmsted RTA Park-n-Ride, located
at 5575 Great Northern Boulevard at I-480, North Olmsted
OH 44070. ​If you are eastbound on I-480, take Exit 6, and
you can drive right into the parking lot (NOMBL Lane). If you
are westbound on I-480, take exit 6A, Rte. 252 toward
Olmsted Falls. Merge onto Great Northern then go left into
 
NOMBL Lane.
LAKE ERIE NATURE AND SCIENCE CENTER 
Directions:​ Lake Erie Nature & Science Center
28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village, Ohio 44140, is located on
Wolf Road at the corner of Porter Creek Drive in the
Cleveland Metroparks Huntington Reservation. Directions
from the West, via Interstate 90 East: Exit 156,
Crocker-Bassett Roads. Turn left on Crocker Road, which
becomes Bassett Rd at the railroad tracks. Turn right on
Wolf Road. Entrance will be .7 miles on the north (left) side
of the road. From the East, via Interstate 90 West: Exit 159,  
Columbia Road north. Turn right on Columbia Road. Turn HOWARD MARSH METROPARK 
left on Wolf Road. Entrance will be 1.9 miles on the right Directions:​ Howard Marsh Metropark is located at 611 S.
side of the road. From the South, Interstate 480 East OR Howard Rd. Curtice, OH 43412. From the Cleveland area,
West: Exit 3, Stearns Road. From 480 Eastbound, turn left/ take Route 2 west, about 90 miles. You will pass the Ottawa
From 480 Westbound, turn right onto Stearns. Stearns will National Wildlife Refuge. About six miles beyond Ottawa
become Crocker Rd. After passing over I-90 at the railroad National Wildlife Refuge, turn right (north) on S. Howard Rd.
tracks, Crocker will become Bassett Road. Turn right on Howard Marsh Park entrance will be on the right. Follow
Wolf Road. Entrance will be .7 miles on the left side of the park road around and meet in parking lot.
road.

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 wcaudubon.org May 2019 - July 2019

VOLUNTEERS AND FUNDRAISING >>> 

 

 
Above: ​Coreopsis​ (Coreopsis grandiflora)​ by Tom Fishburn.

WCAS Bird Friendly Plant Sale and Fundraiser Promotes Native Habitat 
Native Plants Are What Birds Need to Flourish. ​Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society promotes and sells bird friendly
plants for spring planting needs. Our plant selection includes flowering perennials, tree saplings, and popular annual seeds.
Proceeds pay for plant costs and make a donation to Western Cuyahoga Audubon to support chapter activities. Deliveries
and pick-up available. ​Birds Face Unnecessary Challenges Due to a Loss of Habitat. ​What can you do to help? ​Plant Bird
Friendly Native Plants! ​What is a native plant? ​A native plant is one that occurred naturally and has existed for many years
in an area. These plants can be trees, flowers, grasses or any other plant. ​(Wikipedia).​ ​WCAS Bird Friendly Plant Selection:
Flowers​ ​Bee Balm ​(Monarda)​ “Marshall’s Delight”, Black-eyed Susan ​(Rudbeckia)​ “Fulgida”, Cardinal Flower ​(Lobelia),
Tickseed Coreopsis ​(Coreopsis grandiflora) ​“Early Sunrise”, Coneflower ​(Echinacea)​ “Magnus”, Tall Ironweed ​(Vernonia
gigantea), ​Sedum (Stonecrop)​ (Crassulaceae)​ “Sieboldi”, Turtlehead ​(Chelone)​ “Hot Lips”. ​Trees​ ​Dunstan Chestnut**,
seedlings, blight resistant and Eastern White Pine ​(​Pinus strobus​),​ saplings, bare root. ​Seeds​ ​Cosmos ​(Cosmos), ​Common
Sunflower ​(Helianthus annuus)​ and Zinnia ​(Asteraceae).​ ** Dunstan Chestnut seedlings are 3/4 American Chestnut and 1/4
Chinese Chestnut. 6 plants are available for sale. Each is delivered in a 2 gallon pot and are between 1 1/5 - 2 feet tall.
Planting instructions: ​chestnuts need pollinators​. You must plant a minimum of 2 Dunstan trees together to get nut
production, while 4-5 together is better. ​Details:​ Plant pot size is 1 gallon.​ ​Deliveries and pick-up available. ​WCAS Bird
Friendly Plants ​are for sale online April 7 - June 1, 2019 and for sale and pickup Saturday, June 1, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. -
1:00 p.m. at the Frostville Museum Farmers' Market, 24101 Cedar Point Rd, North Olmsted, OH 44070. B​uy online at ​the
WCAS Bird Friendly Plants Store

Thank You Volunteers!​ ​Speakers​ Jen Brumfield, Tim Colborn, Karen Czerniawski, Nancy Howell, Kelly Kozlowski, Tim
Krynak, Kurt Miske, Joe Reardon, Tom & Mary Anne Romito, Heather Shaw, and Matt Valencic. ​Bird walk and field trip
leaders​ Erik Bruder, Tim Colborn, Bill Deininger, Ken Gober, Dave Graskemper, Nancy Howell, Rich Kassouf, and Penny
O'Connor. ​Programs:​ Mary Lou Czajka, Karen Czerniawski, Lisa Del Rio, Gloria Ferris, Ali Grant, Alex Hopkins, Debra
Jesionowski, Michelle Manzo, Patrick McGuigan, Bruce Missig, Penny O'Connor, Imani Smith, Kaoru Tsubone, and
Rynette Vall. ​Photographers and Artists​ Bill Deininger, Tom Fishburn, Anna Julnes, David Lewis, Patrick McGuigan,
Kathy Murphy, Beth Nilges-Nehamkin, Penny O’Connor, Mary Anne Pfrogner, Jim Ridge, Debra Sweeney, Kaoru
Tsubone. ​Special thanks​ to ​Bethany Presbyterian Church​ for hosting monthly WCAS Conservation Project Labs!

Welcome New Members ​Alisa Gerbec, Michelle Lindsey, Fran Mentch, Megan Palfalvi, Stephanie Scott, and Mary Lou
Czajka.  
>​ wcaudubon.org  The Feathered Flyer  5 <​  
 wcaudubon.org May 2019 - July 2019

PROGRAMS >>>
 
Western Cuyahoga Audubon programs are free and open to the public. Monthly programs are held the first Tuesday of
each month, September through May, at the Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070.
Guests are invited to learn about the Audubon mission. ​Rocky River Reservation Map

   
Above: ​Peregrine Falcon ​(Falco peregrinus)​ with Kill by Will Mayall. Above: Map to ​Lagoon Picnic Area, Valley Pkwy, Brook Park, OH 44138.

> Tues, May 7, 7:30 PM  > Tue, June 4, 6:00 PM 

Peregrine Falcons: Predators of Urban  Annual Picnic, Plant Exchange & Bird Walk 
Date & Time: ​Tue, June 4, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. 
Canyons  Location: L​ agoon Picnic Area, Valley Pkwy, Brook Park, OH 
Presenters: Chad and Chris Saladin  44138 
Date & Time: Tue, May 7, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.   Leader: Nancy Howell 
Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy,  Target Species: All that we can find 
North Olmsted, OH 44070  Description: ​The final program meeting of the 2018 -
Description:​ One of the biggest success stories in 2019 program season is the Picnic and Plant Exchange.
conservation was the reintroduction of the Peregrine Join us a the shelter of the Lagoon Picnic Area in the
Falcon to the eastern U.S. In Ohio, cities, such as Rocky River Reservation. Bring your tablecloth, place
Columbus, Toledo, Cleveland and other “urban settings and picnic dinner as we dine and chat with other
mountains” became the stronghold of the falcons. Chad WCAS members and friends. A grill will be available.
and Chris Saladin have been falcon watchers and trackers After dinner we will take an easy bird walk around the
for a long time and know the history of many of the pairs picnic area to the river and lagoon. Bring any plants -
of birds in and around northeast Ohio. Find out how the seeds of flowers and vegetables, bulbs, outdoor plants or
falcons are faring on the bridges and buildings of the indoor plants to share and exchange with others.
urban canyons.
Join the WCAS B
​ ird Friendly Coffee Club 
Birds & Beans is the only coffee brand in the USA that is
100% certified Smithsonian shade grown Bird Friendly®,
USDA Organic and Fair Trade. Orders in by the 10th of
every month at the ​WCAS Bird Friendly Coffee Store​.
​

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 wcaudubon.org May 2019 - July 2019

NEWS >>> 

Mark Your Calendars!

 
Event: T​ he Biggest Week in American Birding 
Date: ​ May 3 - 12, 2019 
Location: M​ aumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center, 
1750 State Park Road #2, Oregon, OH 43616  
Website  
 
Event: World Migratory Bird Day 
Date: Sat, May 11, 2019 & Sat, Oct 12, 2019 
Website  

Event: 13th Annual Bobolink & Butterfly Festival  

Host: Greater Mohican Audubon Society 
Date and Time: Sat, June 22, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.   
​ etophaga virens)​ ​by David Lewis.
Above: Black-throated Green Warbler ​(S Location: Byers Woods, 675 Co Rd 1754, Ashland, OH 
44805 
Can You Guess the Bird?   ​Website  
A quiz from ​The Naturalist​, Spring 2019 Issue, NAI -
National Association for Interpretation. By John Miller. Event: 2019 Audubon Convention: Audubon for 
Everyone 
1. This bird name implies that it has 144 beaks (1 word; 8 Date: July 26 - 28, 2019 
letters) Location: M
​ ilwaukee, WI USA 
2. This bird name implies it has not learned to stop Website  
smoking (1 word; 6 letters)
The Western Cuyahoga Audubon President
3. This bird name sounds like a candle flame in a light Chapter Newsletter​ is published four WCAS is currently Board run.
breeze (1 word; 7 letters) times per year in February, May,
August and November. Treasurer
4. This bird name would easily rise above any Nancy Howell
construction site (1 word: 5 letters) Western Cuyahoga Audubon
programs are free and open to the Recording Secretary
5. You would not get much milk from this songbird (1 Rynette Vall
public. Donations are appreciated. ​
word; 7 letters)
Email:​ i​ nfo@wcaudubon.org Directors-at-Large
6. This bird name is also a high official in the church (1 Kurt Miske
Ph:​ + 216-741-2352
word; 8 letters) Web: ​www.wcaudubon.org Mary Anne Romito
7. This Australian bird name sounds as if it prefers Tom Romito
Like us on Facebook!
electronic correspondence with cows (1 word; 3 letters) facebook.com/WCAudubon Field Trip Coordinators
8. This bird name sounds as if it has an angry beak (1 Follow us on Twitter! Erik Bruder
twitter.com/WCAudubon Tim Colborn
word; 9 letters) Interested in Volunteering? ​Send an Penny O'Connor
9. This bird name sound like a sad letter of the alphabet email to ​info@wcaudubon.org Kaoru Tsubone
(2 words; 4 letters and 3 letters) Visit the Store​ to download reports, Bird Friendly Coffee Coor
10. This bird name implies that it has an appetite for articles, purchase coffee, renew Lisa Del Rio
consuming large woody plants (2 words; 4 letters and 7 membership, and donate.
Communications
http://bit.ly/2taLgnk
letters). Betsey O’Hagan

(Answers on page 3...)

>​ wcaudubon.org  The Feathered Flyer  7 ​< 

  

>​ wcaudubon.org  May 2019 - July 2019

Western Cuyahoga Audubon Leadership Positions 

Volunteer to do more for birds and habitat conservation! ​Email WCAS​ for position details.

Volunteer and Public Relations Coordinator​ - ​The Coordinator oversees recruitment, placement, and
retention of volunteers and is an advocate for the Audubon mission, WCAS programs and services. Attend
Board meetings. Don’t miss this rewarding opportunity to engage in meaningful work! ​Fundraising
Coordinator​ - The fundraising coordinator attends Board meetings, plans events, monitors activities, and
builds relationships to grow donations and revenue for chapter operations and projects. ​Social Gathering
Coordinator​ - ​Do you love to create exciting and fun social gatherings? Help us schedule four action-packed
events per year for WCAS members, affiliates, and friends. Birds and beer? Boating excursions? Attend
monthly Board meetings. Join us! ​Read online
Become a Member of Western Cuyahoga Audubon! ​Become a member, renew membership, and make a
donation by mailing a check ​payable to ​Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society​. Mail to: Nancy Howell, Western
Cuyahoga Audubon Treasurer, 19340 Fowles Rd, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130 ​or, purchase online at
Membership​. You’ll be glad you did and the birds will thank you for it!

Shop today at ​AmazonSmile​ and designate ​Western ​Cuyahoga Audubon

as your charitable organization of choice. When you shop at
smile.amazon.com​ the AmazonSmile Foundation donates 0.5% of the
price of eligible purchases to Western Cuyahoga Audubon.