While Burrowing Owls capture our attention, Bobolinks wing all the way from Argentina to breed in Ohio.  However, due to modern farming practices successful nesting is in decline.   

Ashland County is fortunate to have Byers Woods, a reclaimed landfill with large expanses of grass on the capped cells.  Bobolinks attempt nesting on these mounds, and many years their fledglings have been cut-short by mid-June mowing.  Again, this year they are breeding here in good numbers.  In an effort to raise awareness and promote conservation of grassland birds, specifically those at Byers Woods, Ashland County Park District and Greater Mohican Audubon Society are jointly hosting a free, public event which includes a nature walk, scoping Bobolinks, a Chautauqua enactment, native plant sale and a butterfly garden program.

This Saturday, June 28th - Bobolinks and Butterflies at Byers Woods-  there will be something for everyone, but most of all, we need to have birders out in good numbers to demonstrate the importance of postponing the mowing until July.   These fields have been mown early in the past and if we want to preserve Bobolinks at this easily accessible public land, we must make our presence known.

Please schedule a brief stop between your morning atlasing and your trip to see the Burrowing Owl.  Help us help the Bobolinks.   Numbers speaker louder than words and because birders do care about conservation, your support of this free event can make a difference.  For complete information:  go to  www.gmasohio.org/bobolinks.html  

Byers Woods is in Ashland County (Delorme grid 49, 7-B)  south-east of the city of Ashland.   About 5 miles off of St Rt 30, exit North at St RT 60,  turn right on Rt 1754- the park is on the right, about a mile past the intersection.       http://www.ashlandcountyparksdistrict.com/byers%20woods.htm

Cheryl Harner
Greater Mohican Audubon President

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