By Karen Menard 

While the Lake Erie region is a renowned bird magnet during migration, the Oak Openings Region in Western Lucas County is a more active area for nesting raptors, a category of birds that includes eagles, hawks, falcons and owls.

Oak Openings is home to such a diverse array of raptor species and unique habitats that Metroparks has conducted a long-term monitoring program there the last 15 years.

Raptors are specially-built for hunting, with sharp, hooked beaks and talons, as well as keen eyesight. As predators at the top of the food chain, they are considered important indicators of ecosystem health. Existing in our own backyards, neighborhoods, parks and other natural areas as essential components of larger ecosystems, they are critical to maintaining a balance.

The Oak Openings Breeding Raptor Project started in 2006 and will again move forward this season. With the help of volunteer monitors and engaged neighbors, the program documents the nesting success of various raptor species in the region to gain a better understanding of their breeding habitats and population numbers. Important findings on individual species continue to add to our regional knowledge base and contribute to updated information regarding the importance of this avian group.

During the 2019 and 2020 seasons combined (January through June), volunteers documented approximately 90 to 95 pairs of nine raptor species. The program involves coordinated park trail and other preserve walking surveys, regional driving surveys, homeowner reports and wildlife intake information from Nature’s Nursery Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. 

Volunteers Sought

New volunteers are being sought for this upcoming season (starting in February) and will be required to participate in a three part virtual training on February 13, March 13 and March 27 at 9:30 a.m. To sign up for this monitoring program, please contact Meredith Busic, volunteer coordinator, at Meredith.busic@metroparkstoledo.com

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Photo: Red-tailed hawk