During winter you can feed nonmigratory birds by filling a backyard feeder, but why not take it to another level by hand-feeding the chickadees in Cleveland Metroparks. These petite, black, white and gray birds will land on an open hand, take a single black oil sunflower seed, and fly away to eat it elsewhere. Chickadees tend to feed one at a time because a hierarchy allows the most dominant bird to feed first. Hand-feeding black-capped chickadees at Brecksville Nature Center is a 50-year-old Cleveland Metroparks tradition.
Cleveland Metroparks offers several opportunities to hand feed the curious and not-so-timid chickadees.
Backyard Bird Watching Basics For Beginners
Saturday, December 14 � 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Brecksville Nature Center � Brecksville Reservation
Join Naturalist Jenny McClain at the bird feeding window. Identify the most common nonmigratory backyard birds, learn about their behaviors and enjoy a one-of-kind experience hand-feeding the chickadees. Registration is required. Brecksville Nature Center is located off Chippewa Creek Drive, off the Route 82 entrance of Brecksville Reservation in Brecksville. For registration and more information, call 440-526-1012 or visit clevelandmetroparks.com.
Hand Feed A Chickadee
December 21 - 31, except Christmas Day � 10 a.m. to noon
Brecksville Nature Center � Brecksville Reservation
Looking for a unique outdoor experience to share with family and friends of all ages? Stop by Brecksville Nature Center during the holidays and hand feed the chickadees. Black oil sunflower seeds are provided along with instructions to help make this unique experience one to remember. Brecksville Nature Center is located off Chippewa Creek Drive, off the Route 82 entrance of Brecksville Reservation in Brecksville. For more information, call 440-526-1012 or visit clevelandmetroparks.com.
Meet A Chickadee
Saturday, December 21 � 10 - 11 a.m.
Rocky River Nature Center � Rocky River Reservation
Don't miss this exciting opportunity to join Naturalist Min Keung for a short hike to an area where chickadees can easily be found. Learn about the natural history and get an up-close viewing of the chickadees. Use the provided sunflower seeds to entice a chickadee to land and feed right from your hand. Rocky River Nature Center is located at 24000 Valley Parkway in Rocky River Reservation, north of Cedar Point Road in North Olmsted. For more information call 440-734-6660 or visit clevelandmetroparks.com.
Check the �Emerald Necklace� publication or clevelandmetroparks.com for other opportunities to hand feed chickadees in the upcoming weeks.
Don't miss the opportunity to hand feed the chickadees in Cleveland Metroparks - Discover, Enjoy, Protect!
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
SUE ALLEN - 216-635-3338, sja@clevelandmetroparks.com
HOLLY KECK - 216-635-3253, hak@clevelandmetroparks.com
