Hinckley Reservation to Celebrate Annual Return of the Buzzards March 15

HINCKLEY, OHIO — Residents and bird enthusiasts are preparing to gather at Hinckley Reservation on Sunday, March 15, to witness the annual return of the turkey vultures. This event, known locally as Buzzard Day, has been a regional tradition for decades, marking the unofficial start of spring in Northeast Ohio. Cleveland Metroparks will host the official observation from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Buzzard Roost, a site specifically designated for viewing the migratory birds as they return to their summer nesting grounds in the rocky ledges of the 2,803-acre park. Foster Brown, serving as the official buzzard spotter, will lead the crowd in scanning the horizon for the first signs of the birds soaring on thermal updrafts. While most people simply call them buzzards, these birds are actually turkey vultures, and they are highly social creatures with specific names for their various behaviors. According to Cleveland Metroparks records, a group of vultures roosting together on rooftops or in trees is referred to as a committee or a venue. If the birds are seen feeding together, they are called a wake, but the most common sight for visitors on March 15 will likely be a kettle. This term describes a group of 20 or more birds circling high in the sky to catch warm air currents. The reservation is located south of Cleveland in Medina County and features a diverse landscape of sandstone ledges and old-growth forests that provide a perfect habitat for the vultures. To accommodate the expected crowds, a shuttle service will run between the Buzzard Roost and the Hinckley Lake Boathouse and Store throughout the morning. This allows visitors to explore the boathouse area, which remains a popular spot for fishing and hiking along the 90-acre Hinckley Lake. If weather conditions are clear, spotters expect to see the birds arriving from their wintering grounds in the southern United States and South America. It is a transition that signifies the shift in seasons for many in the community, and the event is open to all ages. Those who need special accommodations or have specific questions about the morning's schedule can reach the Brecksville Nature Center at 440-526-1012 between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. Email inquiries can be directed to brecksvillenc@clevelandmetroparks.com. -------------------- At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.