While on business today at this newly acquired state property (DeLorme
42D1), a flock of waterfowl caught my eye over a portion of the lake.
It seemed an unusual leap-frogging movement of birds over the surface in
a shallow embayment.  When I glassed the area with binoculars I noticed
a peregrine falcon perched atop a dead tree in the water.  It almost
immediately peeled off and flew over the ducks and then out of sight
around the corner.  Although these ducks at first appeared small, I
couldn't find anything at this location other than 60 - 70 mallards.
There were also approximately 300 Canada geese there but they were only
mildly concerned by the peregrine.

Elsewhere on the lake was a nice flock of 24 ruddy ducks and 16
buffleheads.  Two bald eagles were soaring overhead.  There is an active
eagle's nest at this site and these were presumably the resident pair.

A few words about this site:  The former Wingfoot Lake Park, owned by
the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, is being purchased by the Ohio
Division of Wildlife.  Actually the DOW has taken possession of some
portions already although nothing is currently open to the public.  The
"park", consisting of day-use facilities such as picnic areas and
playgrounds, is being transferred to the Division of Parks & Recreation
and will become Wingfoot Lake State Park.  This is tentatively scheduled
to open to the public on Memorial Day, 2010.  This will provide access
for birders to Wingfoot Lake (approximately 500 acres) and the park
itself consisting of +/- 80 acres of scattered mature oaks and manicured
grounds.  The balance of the property, approximately 150 acres, will
become Wingfoot Lake Wildlife Area and is also tentatively scheduled to
open to the public on Memorial Day, 2010.  The wildlife area offers a
little more birding potential with additional access to the lakeshore as
well as some category 3 wetlands south of Wingfoot Road.  Goodyear has
retained the Blimp Base and will continue to launch and land the blimp
there offering an added viewing bonus to visitors to the area.  This
portion is restricted access and is mostly fenced off.  Please obey all
signage currently present (e.g. No Trespassing Zone or Property of
Goodyear Company) and look for future news releases on the opening of
this new state land. 

 

Dan Kramer

Dover

 

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