2020 was for the birds -- and the birders

The year 2020 was a year like no other in the last 100 years. Not only will those who experienced it never forget, but it will also go down in history as one in which an intricate assembly of molecules brought the earth's dominate species to its knees — causing deaths, economic devastation and cultural divide. Birders were affected in several ways — major birding festivals were canceled, travel to birding locations was stalled and local events were postponed. However, birders were one of the more fortunate groups in that they could still do the thing they loved — go outside and look for birds. Compared to all the things that were restricted, such as attending school, sporting events and family gatherings — social distancing outside was one of the safer ways to endure the pandemic. In fact, for a time, getting outside, particularly in early spring, was a coping mechanism for many people. The parks were packed to the point that some even had to limit how many people were allowed in. It was a resurgence in the interest of nature. And while birders often found their favorite places more crowded than they are used to, or even preferred them to be, there are lots of places to bird in peace. The birds, who almost seemed to sense the chaos, also delivered a year unlike many others. Many birders will remember 2020 as a year in which the area was treated to many unusual bird sightings. For those birders who track Ohio birds separately from their life list, 300 birds is a common benchmark. According to the Ohio Division of Wildlife, the Ohio state bird list in 2015 numbered 427 species, of which 180 are known historic breeders — and 225 occur annually and are easily found. From there, another 94 species are classified as rare and uncommon. If you add those two numbers, you get a little over 300 and the rest are extremely rare birds—those who have only been recorded in Ohio from a couple dozen times to even a single sighting. It takes some serious birding to get over the 300 mark, because after you get the more common birds, you likely have to start chasing them — and that could mean all over the state. It also means you might only get one or two chances to ever see them. For example, recently there was a Say's phoebe in Navarre, and according to ODNR, there have only been two-10 sightings of the bird in Ohio in the historical record. When it shows up, it might be your only chance for a while — and that could mean driving two to three hours, with no guarantees. My wife and I made the one-and-a-half-hour trip to Navarre and saw the Say's phoebe, but missed out on a painted bunting that was in the Akron area at the same time. These birds may not be around again for many years, or maybe they show up again next year. You never know and that is the challenge. This year, especially in northeastern Ohio, there have been many uncommon birds — and even first-time appearances. This list includes such rarities as the brown booby, black-chinned hummingbird, painted bunting, varied thrush and western tanager. The brown booby and black-chinned hummingbird weren't even on the ODNR Ohio bird checklist as this was the first record of them in the state. Breaking 300 One birder who took advantage of the relative abundance of rarities and exceeded the 300 mark this year was Avon Lake resident Chad Wilson. Wilson was a casual birder as a kid, hiking with his mom until he stopped by Magee Marsh a few years ago and was besotted by a prothonotary warbler. "I knew the common birds, but I had never known this beautiful golden-yellow bird existed," he said. "So that was my 'spark bird,' the bird that converted me from a casual to an insatiable birder. Ever since I saw it, I have wanted to learn about and see all the birds in Ohio that I possibly could." He said he became a serious birder in January 2018 and has racked up over 300 birds in just three years. "During spring and fall migration it would not be unusual for me to log 40 hours or more a week birding," Wilson said. That's getting after it. Wilson started the year with 292 Ohio species and added an incredible 26 lifers in 2020 — including such treasurers as a pacific loon, brown pelican, brown booby, western tanager and evening grosbeak. His favorite bird this year was the golden-winged warbler. "I think the one that really knocked my socks off was my first golden-winged warbler," he said. "I saw it May 7 at Cuyahoga Valley Nature Preserve, and it was in a flowering apple tree and was one of the most beautiful birds I have ever seen in my life. I took pictures until my arms were sore." Another highlight was finding a Nelson's sparrow. "For birders, the greatest thrill is usually self-finding a rarity and getting the word out so others can see it," Wilson said. "I found a few this year, I think the best one was probably my first ever Nelson's Sparrow at the Lorain Impoundment, which several birders were able to come see and enjoy." Wilson said his primary focus has been Lorain County, but he did make a trip this year to Chillicothe to see Mississippi kites and Highland County to see northern bobwhites. Like many birders, he's found the common passion for birds a gateway to new friends. "The great thing about birding is that, apart from connecting with nature and seeing wonderful birds, you get to meet lots of wonderful birders in your travels," he said. Today, the year starts anew and the world nervously and optimistically anticipates a better 2021 — a year in which scientific ingenuity works to overtake the economic and noxious chaos caused by the COVID-19 virus. As for the birds in 2021, another year like 2020 would be just fine. Black River Audubon January Zoom Program will start the year off Tuesday at 7 p.m. The January program will be "Hawks and Men," presented by Jake Blakeman. One of Ohio's first licensed falconers and raptor rehabilitators, Blakeman trained red-tail hawks to hunt and was a major participant in the Ohio Raptor Survey project. The event is free and those interested can attend by registering their email address on www.blackriveraudubon.org. Contact Rob Swindell at robswindelll@roadrunner.com.