Flocks in the frost

Though we’re slowly slipping into hibernation season for both man and beast—think bare trees, frigid temps, stark scenery—as birders know, winter is the perfect time to immerse yourself in our enchanting forests and their most colorful inhabitants.

Mimi caught up with Lake Metroparks Park Biologist Megan Hart for a scouting report on what you can expect to find.

“If you take a minute to observe a flock of birds who seem to appear out of nowhere, flitting back and forth, working their way along the trunks and branches looking for food, you’ll probably notice several different species within the flock,” she says. “In Lake County, you’ll most likely see a flock led by a black-capped chickadee. You’ll also see white-breasted and red-breasted nuthatches, who climb down trees in search of insects and seeds.”

Why do different bird species travel together?

Megan explains it’s a life lesson that proves true for many species: There’s safety in numbers.

“Birds of prey are always on the prowl for their next meal,” she says. “A distracted foraging bird seems like an easy way to get food during lean times.”

In the pack structure, the black-capped chickadee acts as both leader and alarm system to alert the others to danger.

“You can hear the difference in their bird call; they add extra ‘dee’ notes to thier ‘chickadee-dee-dee' call,” she says. 

Whether you’re a beginning or expert birder, learn more through Lake Metroparks’ Level Up Birding program on Saturday, December 20 at Penitentiary Glen Reservation and Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Painesville Township Park. 

“The Nature Store at Penitentiary Glen Reservation is also a wonderful resource for all things birding,”Megan adds. “We offer binoculars and books, birdfeeders and more to get you started.”

There are three parks designated by Audubon Ohio as Important Bird Areas: Chagrin River Park, Girdled Road Reservation and Hell Hollow Wilderness Area.

With the mission of conserving and preserving the natural resources of Lake County—Lake Metroparks provides more than four million visitors each year with educational and recreational programs and activities. For more information, visit LakeMetroparks.com.