Butterflies & Early Fall Bird Migration

Theme: Butterflies & Early Fall Bird Migration

Location: East Fork State Park, Clermont County OH

Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026

Meet: 8:00 A.M. at the South Swimming Beach Parking Lot (see the directions below)

Co-Leader: Kathy McDonald, 513-748-0281, mkathymcdonald@gmail.com

Co-Leader: Tammy Stanley, 513-395-9393, mockingbirdhillflowers@gmail.com

Co-Leader: Bill Stanley, (513) 324-2796, tyrannus58@gmail.com

Co-Leader: Ned Keller, 513-349-3369, nedkeller49@gmail.com

Butterflies and migrant birds are both the focus of this trip. Kathy and Tammie originally planned a butterfly trip for this date, but since this date is near the peak of songbird (including warblers) migration, we decided to include them as part of our focus as well. So Tammie’s and Kathy’s husbands (Bill and Ned) were recruited to help. All of our leaders are skilled and experienced naturalists and birders, and with their help, we can expect to see a great diversity on this trip.

The general plan is to begin at the south beach, where we will meet. We should see a diversity of waterbirds here. Harsha Lake and its shorelines attract shorebirds, long-legged waders, terns, gulls, grebes and ducks all of which can be expected around this date. Hawks, Osprey & Bald Eagles are also likely to be seen and Broad-winged Hawk and Sharp-shinned Hawk migration is just beginning around now.

We will then drive to other spots around East Fork State Park looking for migrant songbirds and butterflies. Other than a few short drives to get from one spot to another, we will mostly be on foot. Walking however will be at a leisurely pace over level trails & roadsides.

We will probably stay at it until birding begins to tail off around noon. So come out and see a diversity of birds and butterflies on what should be a beautiful early fall morning. Restrooms are available in the park. If you have any questions, feel free to contact any of the leaders.

Directions: We will meet at the swimming beach parking lot located on the south side of East Fork State Park. We will meet at 8 AM on the far left side of the beach parking lot (when facing the lake); although at that time of day it shouldn’t be a problem finding our group. To get to the beach, enter the park from the south side and follow the park signs to the beach. To get to the south side entrance to East Fork SP from I-275, take exit # 65, SR 125 (Beechmont Ave./Ohio Pike) and go east about 9 miles to the junction of Rt. 222. Turn left onto Bantam Rd. (opposite Rt. 222) and follow the signs to the park entrance.

 Visit the East Fork State Park website for a Park map and other info at:

https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/east-fork-state-park

(Contributed by Jay Stenger)