Summer symphony

What’s the soundtrack of your summer? If you really stop and listen, there’s a symphonic show going on that you might be missing, thanks to a chorus of chirps, trills and melodic calls from songbirds.

Mimi recently caught up with Kristin Snider, facility manager at Lake Metroparks’ Penitentiary Glen Nature Center, to find out more about the stars behind nature’s concert series.

“This time of year, there are many active species,” she says. “They’re busy collecting food, tending to nests and raising their young. Some calls are meant to attract a mate—they’re often the prettiest—while others are alarm calls to warn others that danger is near or signals to protect their territory.”

There are dangers within the bird kingdom itself. Kristin explains that one local species, the brown-headed cowbird, practices brood parasitism—laying an egg in another bird’s nest and leaving the unsuspecting host to raise its much larger chick. 

“This season we’re seeing some beautiful Baltimore orioles with their striking orange and black feathers, while eastern bluebirds are returning with their bright blue wings and rust-colored chests,” she says. “Set up a feeder or birdbath and they will come to you. In our nature store, we offer everything you’d need to begin or continue with the hobby of birding, from magnifiers to guidebooks.”

In addition to the sweet sounds of songbirds, Kristin reports that people are loving their Concerts & More at the Glen series this summer.

“These free, family-friendly concerts and shows are held in our outdoor classroom,” she says. “Folks like to pack a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy performances like Storytime Puppet Theaters’ “The Bee’s Knees” on Thursday, July 16, “Make a Splash” on Thursday, August 13, and the Celtic-pop sounds of Tweed on Friday, August 21. We extend the experience by opening the Nature Center and Wildlife Yard a half-hour before and after shows.”

Lake Metroparks provides more than 4 million visitors each year with educational and recreational programs. Penitentiary Glen Reservation is located at 8668 Kirtland Chardon Road in Kirtland. For more information, visit LakeMetroparks.com.