Oxbow Field Trips

Field Trips

Unless otherwise indicated, all trips start at the upper Oxbow parking lot. To reach the upper Oxbow parking area, go south on US Hwy 50 from the I-275 #16 exit. In about 200 yards, turn left (east) at the edge of the Circle K (between the Circle K and Waffle House) and go over the levee to where the road T’s with a fence directly in front of you. Turn right and go to the Oxbow entrance sign. Turn left into the Oxbow. The upper parking area is immediately on the right. You can also use Google Maps and search for "Oxbow Nature Conservancy".

Spring Migration—Sunday, April 7, 2024, 8:00 AM — Noonish (date in the newsletter was wrong)

Meet in the upper Oxbow parking lot at the main Oxbow entrance. (directions on Google Maps Oxbow Nature Conservancy

Leader: Jack Stenger, (513) 503-3389, jackstenger@gmail.com

Mid-spring bird migration is just starting with many species arriving in the Oxbow daily. Many woodland and wetland plants and wildflowers will be in bloom. Our trip leader, Jack Stenger, a lifelong Oxbow advocate and current board member, is a highly skilled, expert birder and naturalist, so we will see and identify a wide number of birds and plants on this visit. April marks spring migration for a large number of birds. Ducks, herons and egrets, Sandhill Cranes, shorebirds, terns & gulls, and many species of raptors, including Bald Eagles, may be seen. Early migrant songbirds and some winter songbirds may still be around. We expect a great diversity of birds and a great day afield.

Jack’s plan for the day depends on early April flooding that would make some areas inaccessible, but will attract many birds. Regardless of flooding Jack will visit several spots in and around the Oxbow including lost Bridge and Shawnee Lookout Park. Expect to drive from spot to spot with walking in between stops. Come see nature’s great diversity on a beautiful spring morning in the Oxbow. Dress for the weather and expect mud on your shoes. No restrooms are available in the Oxbow but they are available at many nearby businesses. Contact Jack if you have any questions about this field trip.

ANNUAL BIRDATHON

24 hours of birding beginning at 5 p.m. on 5/10/24 and ending at 5 p.m. on 5/11/24

At the end of the birding, 5 p.m. on 5/11/24, the Birdathon Tally and Party begins. Plenty of cold drinks, pizza and other food are provided before the Grand Tally begins and our combined bird sightings are revealed. This year's Birdathon Tally will be held at the Fernald Preserve Visitors Center. The Fernald Preserve entrance is located at 7400 Willey Road, about half a mile west of State Route 128, in Crosley Township in Northwestern Hamilton County (Map and directions at https://www.lm.doe.gov/Fernald/Visitors_Center/Directions.pdf). There is ample parking and it is centrally located to many of the best birding sites (including Fernald itself) on the west side of town. Five dollar fee for the tally party covers all your food and drinks!

Birdathon.html for more details.