The Lake Erie waterfront is a major haven for thousands of wintering gulls of many species. Recognizing gulls (a plethora of species that exhibit a variety of age-related plumages) is perhaps the greatest identification challenge birders have in our region.
As birders prepare for the annual blizzards of gulls along Lake Erie, noted Cleveland area birder and photographer Chuck Slusarczyk, Jr. of the Kirtland Bird Club highlights defining field marks and tips to help with gull identification in an expertly illustrated and enthusiastic presentation. This program is presented in collaboration with Blackbrook Audubon Society.
This wheelchair/stroller accessible event, Gulls 101, will take place Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at The West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road (Rt. 87), Russell Twp.
Harnessing his recent passion for gulls, Slusarczyk plans to highlight defining field marks and tips to help with gull identification, which can be a test for even experienced birders.
Born in Phoenix, Arizona, but raised in the Cleveland area, Slusarczyk enjoys teaching new birders through his easy-going style, having fun along the way. His interest in birds began at a very young age, even before attending his first bird walks in 1975. In fact, this program is presented in cooperation with the Blackbook Audubon Society, which honored Slusarczyk with an award at age 15 for “Outstanding Contribution in the Field of Conservation.” (That same year, Slusarczyk won a bird identification contest sponsored by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.)
As an avid member of today’s Ohio birding community, Slusarczyk’s efforts to assist and educate novice birders via social media are well known. But, while he has hosted programs for many organizations, and seen his photography published in many ways, he is the first to admit that he never stops learning. Slusarczyk is currently a seasonal naturalist with Cleveland Metroparks, a member of the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), and a graduate of the Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) program.
Registration is not required to attend. Questions? Call 440-286-9516.
This article is brought to you by Geauga Park District