Spring Birding and Herping Walk

Spring Birding and Herping Walk

Location: East Fork State Park

Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026

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

Leader:  Ryan Jorgensen, (630) 333-2631, jorgensen28ryan@gmail.com

 The focus of this field trip will be early spring migrant birds, of which we can expect a great diversity due to the diverse habitats found throughout the 4890 acres at East Fork Lake State Park including Harsha Lake. But the trip will equally focus on finding and identifying reptiles and amphibians, or “herps” as many naturalists refer to them (from herpetology). This group of animals includes snakes, turtles, lizards (reptiles) and frogs, toads and salamanders (amphibians). Amphibians, especially salamanders, will be our primary goal in the herp department.

We can expect to see waterfowl (ducks and geese) loons, grebes, gulls, maybe a few shorebirds, hawks, Bald Eagles, and many species of early spring migrant songbirds. Our overall chances of success on this walk should be very good because our field trip leader, Ryan Jorgensen, is not just a skilled birder but also an expert herpetologist and naturalist as well. Ryan is also a board member of our Audubon Society and has a Master’s degree in Biological Science at UC where he specialized in herpetology. With Ryan’s skills we can expect to find and identify what should be a great diversity of species on this trip.

Be forewarned that this is a robust trip which will entail quite a bit of walking. While much of the walking will be along paved roads, there will also be considerable walking along woodland trails that might be muddy. And while we may have a warm day it can still be quite cold in March, so dress accordingly and wear appropriate footwear. This trip will run until around noon. Restrooms are available in the Park. If you have any questions feel free to contact Ryan.

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)