Attempt to hold some seed, then a hungry Black-capped Chickadee!
The cold weather is back — and so is Bird in the Hand! From now through April, visitors to The West Woods can enjoy the unforgettable experience of hand-feeding wild birds just a short walk from the nature center.
Have you ever had a chickadee land right in your hand? This popular seasonal opportunity runs each winter when conditions are right, with volunteers having counted as many as 60 chickadees in just 20 minutes!
Here’s how it works: stop into The West Woods Nature Center between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to pick up a free packet of black oil sunflower seed. Then follow the Trout Lily Trail to the right fork after the boardwalk — the feeding station is easy to spot with its bird feeder, orange bucket and benches. (Visitors won’t see Parker the mannequin this year; the birds have grown so comfortable around people that he’s taking the winter off indoors!)
To get started, cover the feeder with the bucket, place a few seeds in your hand, hold it out flat, and stand still. The birds often come in waves, so patience pays off! When you’re finished, please remove the bucket, place unused seed in the feeder, and dispose of your packet in the marked receptacle.
Hand-feeding works best with one or two people, or a small group of three or four. Be sure to dress warmly — layers, hat and gloves — since you’ll be standing still for a bit. Curious what weather makes the best for bird activity? Visit our website under Activities, then Birdwatching, to check out our Ask a Naturalist Q&A online for tips.
Oh, and please don’t forget to share your experience! Tag Geauga Park District on Facebook or post using #geaugaparkdistrict — we love seeing and sharing your exciting bird encounters. Good luck and have fun!
