A SIMPLE ASK 
August 2019 - October 2019
Field Trips……....
Maps and
Directions……....
Volunteers and
Fundraising……..
Programs…….….
News…………....
> CONNECT  entered into eBird. Not long ago I met with one of the natural resources managers in the
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, Western Cuyahoga Audubon Board Member 
2-3 “​Western Cuyahoga Audubon needs your help to assist in protecting the species we enjoy.
What is being ​asked​ is that anyone reading this become a Western Cuyahoga chapter
member. Membership dues go directly to the chapter in support of conservation,
4 education, and advocacy activities.​”
As this is being written a Carolina Wren is scolding me. The pair built their nest under the
eaves of our patio, the chicks have hatched and now the pair are busy supplying food to
5 their young. Amazing. Perhaps some of you have had a similar experience with American
Robins, House Finch or Eastern Phoebes nesting on or around your structure. Some birds
6
are adaptable and are faring well in neighborhoods … while others are not.
The Spring bird walks series that Western Cuyahoga Audubon helps sponsor, has been
7
ongoing for over 85 years and the data, old and recent, from those walks has been
Cleveland Metroparks to discuss using some of this data to help manage or maintain
habitats for birds and other wildlife. Many migratory birds use the parks in the spring
and/or fall as a stopover to rest and refuel while on migration, so maintaining habitats for
this type of use is a “win-win” for the migratory species and birders as well.
I have been conducting a bird survey on a conservation easement property located in a
neighboring county that is growing rapidly. Even though this parcel of land is protected, I
see nearby properties up for sale and housing developments encroaching. Not good for
the birds and wildlife that need the fields, forests and brushy areas that will be impacted
in the near future.
So what does any of this have to do with ​“A Simple Ask”​? Western Cuyahoga Audubon,
as a conservation organization, needs your help to assist in protecting the species we
enjoy in our neighborhoods as well as species requiring something more. What is being
asked is that anyone reading this, whether online or as a printed piece, to become a
member of ​Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society. Membership funds go directly to the
chapter for conservation, education and advocacy. ​(continued on page 2)
​< 
 wcaudubon.org August 2019 - October 2019

Photo: June 2019 Hotspot Field Trip to Bath Nature Preserve by Tom Fishburn. ​Explore the Photo Album

(continued from page 1)

While reading this newsletter consider how much information is packed into it and our WCAS website is packed with even
more. We ​ask​ that you consider going a step beyond by adding a donation to support the quality information WCAS
provides. Enjoy our monthly speaker series? The series for 2019 - 2020 looks great so we’re asking that you consider
sponsoring one of our monthly speakers through the ​Sponsor-A-Speaker program​. We ​ask ​that you look through the list
of volunteer opportunities and become involved. Everyone has something to offer, so a bit of your time, your ideas,
suggestions, creativity will bring the diversity the organization needs to move forward and be a powerful voice for
conservation. I hope you will say to yourself, “Let me contact Western Cuyahoga Audubon at ​info@wcaudubon.org
because I have some ideas and want to help!” Thank you from the wild things and wild places that are already protected.

BIRD WALKS AND FIELD TRIPS >>>

 

 
Photos (left to right): Acadian Flycatcher by Kathy Murphy; September Birders, Canada Geese and Mallards by Kaoru Tsubone; Trail Remake by Penny
O’Connor.

Second Saturday Bird Walks at Rocky River Nature Center  

UPCOMING DATES: ​August 10, 2019​ / ​September 14, 2019​ / ​October 12, 2019 
Ken Gober, Dave Graskemper, Bill Deininger, and Marty Calabrese 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. Get more details at the ​WCAS News Blog. 

>​ wcaudubon.org  The Feathered Flyer  2 <​  

 wcaudubon.org August 2019 - October 2019

Field Trip to Howard Marsh Metropark 

Date & Time:​ Sun, Aug 4, 2019 at 8:00 a.m.
Location:​ 611 S. Howard Rd. Curtice, OH 43412
Leader:​ Tim Colborn
Target Species:​ Migrating Shorebirds
Description:​ Elegant migrating shorebirds grace the Lake Erie
marshes on their way south after Arctic nesting. The Marsh is 90
miles from Cleveland and a new addition to Toledo Metroparks.
Restored wetlands host more than 100 species in July and August,
including multiple species of shorebirds.

Backyard Nature Bash Bird Walks  Above: American Golden Plovers​ (Pluvialis dominica) ​by Chuck
Slusarczyk Jr.
Date & Time:​ Sat, Aug 17, 2019 at 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m
Location: ​Watershed Stewardship Center at West Creek
Reservation, 2277 West Ridgewood Dr, Parma, OH 44134
Leader:​ Tim Colborn
Species Focus:​ Typical midwest woodland and field species such as
seasonal flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds ​(Agelaius phoeniceus)​ and
August specialties of butterflies and dragonflies.
 

Field Trip to Erie Street Cemetery 

Date & Time:​ Sat, Sept 7, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.
Location:​ ​2291​ E 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44115
Leader:​ TBA
Target Species: ​Early Migrants Above: ​Purple Finch (​Carpodacus purpureus)​ male, Cap Tourmente
Description:​ Fall migration is just beginning. Erie Street Cemetery is National Wildlife Area, Quebec, Canada via Wikimedia Commons.
a downtown Cleveland hotspot migrant trap.

Field Trip to Hawkwatch Lake Erie Metropark (MI) 

Date & Time:​ Sun, Sept 15, 2019 at 8:00 a.m. Rain date: Sat Sept
21st
Meet to Carpool:​ North Olmsted RTA Park-n-Ride, 5575 Great
Northern Blvd, North Olmsted, OH 44070
Birding Location:​ The park is ​140 miles west of Cleveland at ​32481
W Jefferson Ave, Brownstown Charter Twp, MI 48173.
Leader:​ Tim Colborn
Target Species:​ Migrating Raptors
Description:​ Eastern North American raptors migrate through the
Above: ​Red-tailed Hawk ​(Buteo jamaicensis)​ by Tom Fishburn.
area between late August through early winter. These dates give us
the best opportunity to see large kettles of Broad-winged Hawks.

Field Trip to Wellington Reservoir 

Date & Time:​ Sun, Oct 27, 2019 at 9:00 a.m.
Location:​ Wellington, OH 44090. See directions page 4.
Leader:​ TBA
Target Species:​ Migrating Waterfowl
Description:​ Wellington Upground Reservoir offers easy views of
migrating waterfowl. Handicap access is right next to the water.

Above: Ruddy Duck ​(​Oxyura jamaicensis​)​ ​by Tom Fishburn.

>​ wcaudubon.org  The Feathered Flyer  3 <​  

 wcaudubon.org August 2019 - October 2019

MAPS AND DIRECTIONS >>>

 

ERIE STREET CEMETERY 

Directions:​ ​Erie Street Cemetery is located in downtown
Cleveland at 2291 East 9th Street, Cleveland OH 44115. It is
across East 9th Street from Progressive Field, just north of
Carnegie Ave. A driveway goes through the center of the
cemetery from East 9th Street to East 14th Street. Easy parking
along the driveway.

HOWARD MARSH METROPARK 

Directions:​ Howard Marsh Metropark is located at 611 S.
Howard Rd. Curtice, OH 43412. From the Cleveland area,
take Route 2 west, about 90 miles. You will pass the Ottawa
National Wildlife Refuge. About six miles beyond Ottawa
National Wildlife Refuge, turn right (north) on S. Howard Rd.
Howard Marsh Park entrance will be on the right. Follow
park road around and meet in parking lot.

WELLINGTON UPGROUND RESERVOIR 

“As a child I wandered the forests of Huntington, Clague Park, and
Rocky River Reservation. It was another world, cool temperatures,
nature’s sounds, and peacefulness.” ~​ ​Eileen Dorsey,​ Oil Painter, on the right. If you are following Jones Rd. and you see
with “Path to Huntington Field” & #TinySilentAuction contributor.
Directions:​ ​Wellington Upground Reservoir is located on
Jones Rd. in Wellington, OH. Take I-480 west. I-480
becomes Rte. 10, then becomes Rte. 20. Exit on Route 58.
Go south on Rte. 58 through the town of Wellington. Just
beyond the town, turn right (west) on Jones Rd. Just past a
housing development, the driveway to the reservoir will be
Wellington Reservation of Lorain Metro Parks on the left,
you’ve gone too far.

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 wcaudubon.org August 2019 - October 2019

VOLUNTEERS AND FUNDRAISING >>> 

 

Above: (left to right) WCAS Bird Friendly Native Plant Sale, Frostville Farmers Market, June 1, 2019 (Photo by Kaoru Tsubone). Marilyn Matevia and
Ginny Stevenson show off their #TinySilentAuction fine art print “Dance” by artist, ​Beth Nilges-Nehamkin​ (Photo by Betsey O’Hagan).

WCAS Bird Friendly Plant Sale a Success. ​The first WCAS plant sale took place on Saturday, June 1 at the Frostville Farmers
Market. It was declared a success as we learned a great deal from the experience and even came away with a bit of a profit
for chapter’s conservation activities. The theme, ‘bird-friendly native plants’, was our first time selling at a farmers market.
The sale could not have happened without the perseverance of many volunteers who, over a period of months,
determined the location of the sale, researched the types of plants to sell and where to purchase them, setting up the
booth and display, monetary considerations, created a presentation on the benefits of bird friendly plants and more. This
experience will make the next sale much easier. Our next, Bird Friendly Plant Sale is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday,
September 28-29 at the Tremont Arts Festival, and a possible return to the Frostville Farmers Market this fall. Interested in
volunteering with this fun group? CONTACT Kurt Miske, ​kurtsacct@scglobal.net​ or Betsey O’Hagan, ​info@wcaudubon.org​.
#TinySilentAuction​. May 2019 speaker program attendees were delighted with a selection of beautiful original artwork by
Cleveland and Ohio artists for donation to support chapter conservation activities. Plan to attend the next
#TinySilentAuction on Tues Sept 3, 2019 at the WCAS speaker series program. ​MORE HERE.
Sponsor-A-Speaker in the Western Cuyahoga Audubon Speaker Series. The WCAS Speaker Series is a monthly program
scheduled September through May featuring researchers, environmental advocates, photographers and more . The series
is popular and the 2019-2020 program season will be no exception! We’d like to give members and the public an
opportunity to sponsor one…or more speakers. Perhaps you like a topic, have heard the presenter before or have a
passion for a species being highlighted. Sponsors are listed in chapter marketing or may remain anonymous. Check off
Sponsor-A-Speaker for $100 on the enclosed ​Membership Form​. Mark the check MEMO, or at online check out, that funds
are for Sponsor-A-Speaker or sponsor ​with 1-click at the ​WCAS Store ​HERE.
Digital Transformation Fund. Help us continue to be a top ranking Ohio leader for conservation education online and in
print through our website articles, educational resources, policy campaigns, member and public communications, and
innovative content marketing. ​Thank you! ​DONATE HERE.
Thank You Volunteers! ​Speakers​ ​Chad and Chris Saladin​. ​Bird walk and field trip leaders Marty Calabrese, Tim Colborn, Bill
Deininger, Ken Gober, Dave Graskemper, and Penny O'Connor. ​Bird Friendly Plant Sale Team Karen Czerniawski, Lisa Del
Rio, Gloria Ferris, Patrick McGuigan, Bruce Missig, Joe Reardon, Tom Romito, Imani Smith, and Kaoru Tsubone.
Photographers, Authors, and Artists Bill Deininger, ​Eileen Dorsey, Laura Dumm, Katie Fallon, ​Tom Fishburn, ​Susie Frazier,
Patrick McGuigan, Beth Nilges-Nehamkin, Penny O’Connor, Earl Peck, Debra Sweeney, Kaoru Tsubone, ​Bill Wilson, and
Julie Zickefoose. ​Special thanks to Bethany Presbyterian Church for hosting monthly WCAS Conservation Project Labs! ​JOIN
US! ​GET STARTED BY FILLING OUT THE VOLUNTEER FORM​. ​Welcome New Members ​Gloria Ferris, LeAnne Holland, and
Bruce Missig!

>​ wcaudubon.org  The Feathered Flyer  5 <​  

 wcaudubon.org August 2019 - October 2019

PROGRAMS >>>
  
Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society Speaker Series 2019-2020 
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 

   
Photo: June 2019 Hotspot Field Trip to Bath Nature Preserve by Tom Photo: Whooping Crane chicks by Tom Lynn.
Fishburn. ​See More Photos

> Tues, Sept 3, 7:30 PM  > Tues, Oct 1, 7:30 PM 
“My Adventures to Help Save Cranes in the Wild” 
“Ohio’s Environmental Issues and How Citizens Can Help” 
Presenter: Tom Leiden, Senior Advisor, International Crane 
Presenter: Marnie Urso, Policy Director, Audubon Great 
Foundation  
Lakes Region 
Date & Time: ​Tues, Oct 1, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. 
Date & Time: Tues, Sept 3, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.  
Location: R
​ ocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, 
Location: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy, 
North Olmsted, OH 44070  North Olmsted, OH 44070 

Description: ​Citizens, no matter if part of an Audubon chapter
or just concerned about the environment, need to be aware of
and take an active role in statewide environmental issues.
State issues are often tied to national issues and advocacy is
part of Audubon’s mission. Marnie walks us through how to
receive notice of issues AND become involved. Education of
issues, contacting local representatives, and writing letters to
the editor are easy ways to advocate for the environment.​  ​
Description: ​Cranes are mystical and magical creatures
revered by many cultures as a symbol of happiness and good
fortune. However, eleven of the fifteen species of cranes are
threatened with extinction. Tom Leiden will share his
first-hand experiences as part of the field team with the
International Crane Foundation. The Foundation’s work is to
study and preserve cranes, especially the habitats the birds
need on their breeding sites, wintering sites and migratory
routes.
Photo ​(left):​ WCAS Board Member Kaoru Tsubone​ (​ middle row, 2nd
from right)​ participates in the July 4, 2019 ​The 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development​ meeting in Japan. This shared blueprint for
peace and prosperity for people and the planet has at its heart 17
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for
action by all countries in global partnership. Learn more at the
SDGs-Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform.

>​ wcaudubon.org  The Feathered Flyer  6 <​  

 wcaudubon.org August 2019 - October 2019

NEWS >>> 

Mark Your Calendars!

Event: #TinySilentAuction Fall 2019 
Date: At the T
​ ues Sept 3, 2019 WCAS Speaker Series 
Description: Fine art auction by Cleveland and Ohio artists for donation to 
support chapter conservation awareness and education projects. 
Learn More     
 
Event: WCAS Bird Friendly Plant Sale and More at the Tremont Arts & Cultural 
Festival 
Date & Time: Sat Sept 28th, 2018 12:00pm to 7:00pm and Sun Sept 29th, 2018 
12:00pm to 5:00pm, rain or shine 
Location: Lincoln Park, Tremont, Ohio 44113   
Facebook Event Page     

Event: Green Infrastructure for Public Health  

Launch: ​Oct 2019 
Description: A 2019-2020 science series exploring the interconnectivity of 
nature’s environment in balance with community well-being. Includes Citizen 
Science Maker Labs for small scale projects. 
Facebook Event Page  
 
Image: Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center. Event: Urban Birding with David Lindo in Cleveland, OH 
Presenter: David Lindo, Author and VP Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, 7th most 
Migrating Birds, Coffee Farms, and Our  influential person in Wildlife by BBC Wildlife Magazine, Ambassador for Leica 
Birding, London Wildlife Trust, and President, Suntrap Forest Education Centre. 
Connectedness  Dates: Nov 1-8, 2019  
Website: ​https://theurbanbirder.com/   
By Lisa Del Rio, Bird Friendly Coffee Coordinator Facebook Event Page  
 
When you enjoy Bird Friendly Coffee, you know you’re helping Event: WCAS Giving Day 2019 
Date: Celebrated at the T​ ues Dec 3, 2019 WCAS Speaker Series 
birds from 12 countries, some of which migrate to Ohio. You Description: Annual benefit to support WCAS projects and activities. 
may appreciate that delicious cup even more if you know a Learn More 
 
little about the farms it came from. One of these coffee farms Event: C
​ hristmas Bird Count-Lakewood Circle 2019 Bird Count 
is Gaia Estate, a 90 acre farm in Nicaragua. They have been Date & Time: Sat Dec 28, 2019 All Day 
Place: Lakewood, Ohio vicinity and Rocky River Reservation trails. 
growing coffee under the forest canopy since 1915. The Learn More 
farmers engage in a variety of practices to ensure quality and
sustainability. They fertilize the soil with coffee pulp, manure, The Western Cuyahoga Audubon Chapter President
and tree debris, use tree leaves to deter destructive insects, Newsletter​ is published four times per year WCAS is currently Board run.
in February, May, August and November.
employ shade to help balance the ecosystem and prevent plant Treasurer
disease, use methane from manure for cooking fuel, and take Western Cuyahoga Audubon programs are Nancy Howell
free and open to the public. Donations are
advantage of abundant solar energy for power. In addition to appreciated. ​ Recording Secretary
farming, the owners have expanded their source of income to Rynette Vall
Email:​ ​info@wcaudubon.org
include ecotours, with 150 species to thrill birders. Gaia also Ph:​ + 216-741-2352 Directors-at-Large
hosts college students who gain knowledge and experience in Web: ​www.wcaudubon.org Gloria Ferris, Bruce Missig, Kurt
sustainable agriculture, climate change, and food justice. Gaia Miske​, ​Mary Anne Romito and Tom
Like us on Facebook! Romito
is just one of many bird friendly coffee farms around the world. facebook.com/WCAudubon
They may be far away, but the farmers care about the same Follow us on Twitter!
Field Trip Coordinators
Erik Bruder, Tim Colborn, Penny
things we do: excellent coffee and a healthy environment that twitter.com/WCAudubon O'Connor, and Kaoru Tsubone
allows birds and people to thrive today and in the future. Volunteer with Us!​ See this year’s list of
Bird Friendly Coffee Coor
fun activities.
Join the WCAS ​Bird Friendly Coffee Club. Birds & Beans is the Lisa Del Rio
Visit the Store​ to download reports,
only coffee brand in the USA that is 100% certified Smithsonian articles, purchase coffee, renew
Web and Marketing
shade grown Bird Friendly®, USDA Organic and Fair Trade. Betsey O’Hagan
membership, and donate.
Order by the 10th of the month at the ​WCAS Bird Friendly
Coffee Store.

>​ wcaudubon.org  The Feathered Flyer  7 ​< 

  

>​ wcaudubon.org  August 2019 - October 2019

Western Cuyahoga Audubon Volunteer Opportunities and Leadership Positions 

Volunteer to do more for birds and habitat conservation! Let us know what you’re interested in by completing
our ​WCAS Volunteer form​.

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 Gatherings
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! ​LEARN MORE
Membership Drive August 1st through October 31st! ​Become a member, renew membership, and make a
donation online or 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.
Western Cuyahoga Audubon is a chapter of the National Audubon Society. Membership dues support
public education programs and conservation projects.

Membership in Western Cuyahoga Audubon gives you

➤ “The Feathered Flyer”,​ q​ uarterly newsletter
➤ Birding & field trip details; Speaker programs and event announcements
➤ A Western Cuyahoga Audubon window cling for home or car (4 x 4 in.)
➤ Online bird and conservation resource information on our website
➤ Volunteer opportunities at public events and conservation-related activities
Student / Limited Income    $15.00 *   

Individual     $35.00*   

Non-profit / Family     $50.00 *   

Sponsor-a-Speaker Fund   $100.00 

Because I support live conservation education for the public. 

Digital Transformation Fund  $100.00 

Because I support educational resources on the website. 

Additional Donations  $10, $15, $20, $25, or $75 

Because I care about conservation and enjoy programs. 

Business   $140.00 

Sustaining  $250.00 

Benefactor  $500.00 

NAME 

ADDRESS 

CITY/STATE/ZIP 

TELEPHONE 

EMAIL ADDRESS 
 
Interested in volunteering with WCAS ? Check here ( )  
 

To receive print newsletters mailed USPS, add . . . . . . . .   $20.00* 

CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP TOTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   $ 

Make checks payable to ​Western Cuyahoga Audubon Society. ​Mail to: Nancy Howell, Western Cuyahoga Audubon Treasurer,
19340 Fowles Rd, Middleburg Hts, OH 44130. Purchase Membership online at ​http://bit.ly/2KjobcQ
* The Feathered Flyer quarterly newsletter is delivered electronically as the default and by print with the $20 option listed above.
Members at the $100 level and above may choose either printed or online newsletters. Information gathered is WCAS use only.

4310 Bush Ave • Cleveland, Ohio 44109 ​ | (216) 741-2352 | info@wcaudubon.org | www.wcaudubon.org