Join us for a field trip to Geauga County's backroads, led by Matt Valencic! ❄️

We'll start by meeting at the LaDue boat ramp, 17759 Valley Road, Auburn Township, OH 44023 at 9AM.

LaDue Reservoir: If the water is open, we will spend time here looking for waterfowl on the lake and drive up and down Valley Road to look for birds along the edges of the road.

Unless it's frozen, our next stop will be the Troy Wetlands, 18753 Claridon-Troy Road, Hiram, Ohio to look for more waterfowl and ‘edge’ birds. There are boardwalks and short trails (0.8-mile total) there. This is the #2 Hotspot in Geauga County for 2024 (164 species). Port-o-Potty for emergencies.

Depending on the time, next we will either go to the Soltis Road area for birding or to the Market Express for lunch.

Market Express: This is at intersection of SR-422/SR-528 and has pizza by the slice, coffee/beverages galore and clean, warm bathrooms.

Soltis Road: 1.4 miles south of Parkman on SR-88, open agricultural fields, large sunflower planting - also, sunflowers on nearby Brosius Road. Look for Horned Lark, Snow Bunting, Lapland Longspur, hordes of American Goldfinch, Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, and occasionally American Pipit and Savannah Sparrow

Patch Road: 3.4 miles north of Parkman on SR-168 - Tavern Road. Look for raptors, possible Eastern Meadowlarks, and sparrows in the hedgerows next to Amish farms.

On-your-own option - Hayes Road: Start at Swine Creek Reservation at south end of Hayes Road and slowly drive north for 4 miles watching for birds. KEEP YOUR FLASHERS ON AND WATCH FOR SPEEDING BUGGIES! Rough-legged Hawk is possible and Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Northern Harrier are likely.

February 2025 Field Trip #2

By Kirtland Bird Club

February 2025 Field Trip #2

Geauga County Backroads