Late Fall Migration and Nature Walk at East Fork State Park with Bill Stanley

Late Fall Migration and Nature Walk

Location: East Fork State Park

Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024

Meet: 8:00 A.M. at the East Fork State Parks south Swimming Beach parking lot, nearest the Pavilion (see the directions below).

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

Join our trip leader Bill Stanley for what should be a great day of birding at East Fork State Park during a beautiful time of the year. Bill is an expert birder and skilled naturalist and a board member of our Audubon Society. Bill has been a fixture in our birding and conservation community since he joined the Cincinnati Zoo’s Jr, Zoologist Program as a young teenager. October is a beautiful month and autumn color should be near peak on this date. October is also centered in the middle of fall migration and because of that it offers somewhat of a mixed bag of species. East Fork SP and Harsha Lake is an excellent spot to find this diversity of species.

While neotropic migration is over by this date, there are several species of late fall migrant songbirds moving through. These numbers are augmented by the new arrivals of our wintering species. Shorebird migration is slowing down by this date, but a few of those species should still be around. Waterfowl migration will be close to peak on this date which is also true of gulls, grebes, loons and a number of other species of water birds. Raptors are on the move throughout the month and Bald Eagles should be expected. And there is always a chance for a rarity, as East Fork has an excellent reputation in that regard, particularly in the fall.

Bill, who lives nearby, knows East Fork SP as well as anyone and plans to visit several different locations and habitats within the park. This will entail driving to a few different spots, interspersed with light walking at a birders pace between. While we will walk a bit during the morning, it will be moderate and at a leisurely pace over mostly level trails and roadsides. Bill will probably stay at it until birding begins to tail off around noon. So come and join Bill for some great birding on what should be a beautiful autumnal morning. This trip will probably end around noon or so. Restrooms are available in the park. Dress for the weather, it is always colder close to the water. If you have scopes bring them. If you have any questions feel free to contact Bill.

Directions:

We will meet at the Parks south swimming beach parking lot, nearest to the Pavilion. To get to the East Fork SP south entrance 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 Old State Rte. 125 (opposite Rt. 222) and follow the signs to the Park entrance. Follow the Park Road (and signs) to the East Fork SP Swimming Beach. Meet in the Parking Lot nearest the Pavilion.

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

Here is a google maps link to the meeting location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4JxpdckyTMm7Jtjv8

(Contributed by Jay Stenger)