February

Ten Birds of Prey to Discover in Cleveland Metroparks 


Bald Eagle - Lakefront, Ohio & Erie Canal, & Rocky River Reservations
Our largest bird of prey, the bald eagle can be spotted year-round soaring the skies of Lakefront, Ohio & Erie Canal, and Rocky River Reservations.


A bald eagle flying into its nest among a tree of barren forest

Bald eagle

Turkey Vulture - Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Often seen unsteadily circling the skies above Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s RainForest, this scavenger readily lands to feast on roadkill.

Red-tailed Hawk - Bradley Woods, Hinckley & Acacia Reservations
This large, familiar hawk is a habitat generalist and is seen from Bradley Woods to Hinckley to Acacia Reservations.

Red Shouldered Hawk - North Chagrin Reservation
Regularly seen and heard on North Chagrin Nature Center trails, this medium-sized hawk shows black and white bands on its wings and tail feathers.

Cooper's Hawk - Big Creek Reservation
Incredible flying skills set this small-to medium-sized hawk apart from the rest. Look for this speedy hunter while walking the boardwalk at Big Creek Reservation.

Sharp-shinned Hawk - Rocky River & Lakefront Reservations
Darting over Valley Parkway or weaving through Scranton Flats, look fast, for this uncommon dove-sized hawk is even speedier than its larger cousin, the Cooper's hawk. 

Barred Owl - Rocky River Reservation
Commonly seen roosting in pine trees, this medium-sized owl frequents Rocky River Nature Center trails.
 

A brown barred owl with a small yellow nose and black beady eyes staring deep into the camera and the green background

Barred owl

Great Horned Owl - Rocky River & Brecksville Reservations
Conspicuously nesting roadside in Rocky River Reservation and more secretly at Brecksville Reservation, this large bird of prey sports noticeable earlike tufts.

Eastern Screech Owl - Euclid Creek Reservation 
Roosting in hollow trees and artificial nest boxes, this small, gray or chestnut red, feisty owl has been found nesting in Euclid Creek Reservation and several others.

Snowy Owl - Lakefront Reservation
The irregular presence of this much anticipated, but rarely seen raptor fades with February. Scanning the breakwalls at East 55th Street Marina or Edgewater Park may reveal this nearly all-white, large owl.
 

A white owl with black detailing and bright yellow eyes sitting on a snowy ledge with light grey blue background

Snowy owl