HINCKLEY TOWNSHIP -- This weekend is the 57th annual Return of the Buzzards to the Cleveland Metroparks Hinckley Reservation and Buzzard Sunday, a day of buzzard-themed activities.
The Return of the Buzzards begins at 7 a.m. Saturday (March 15) until the first buzzard is spotted.
Sunday's schedule has activities and entertainmetn from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Both events are at the Buzzard Roost in the Cleveland Metroparks Hinckley Reservation at the corner of State Road and West Drive in Hinckley Township south of Route 303..
HIGHLIGHTS:
On Saturday, join Cleveland Metroparks "Official Buzzard Spotter" Sharon Hosko to wait for the official spotting of the season's first buzzard, a sure sign of spring's return.
The celebration of the buzzards' return continues Buzzard Sunday, a free event features a variety of fun buzzard activities and entertainment:
Buzzard Scoreboard: Watch the official tally board for updates on how many buzzards have been spotted and the largest kettle (group of buzzards) spotted.
Buzzard mural photo opportunity: Guests can snap photos of family and friends with their heads peeking out from the face cutouts of a buzzard and buzzard spotter. Play a sample game of "disc golf" at Cleveland Metroparks Outdoor Recreation station. Buzzard bean bag toss game, puppet shows and kids craft (making a buzzard mask).
There will be hikes and bus tours of Hinckley Reservation. Live birds of prey programs. Live music featuring Cleveland Metroparks historical interpreter Foster Brown. Buzzard apparel, merchandise and refreshments available for purchase.
There's also a pancake breakfast nearby.
Hosted by the Hinckley Township Chamber of Commerce and the Hinckley Firemen's Association, the event to hail the return of the buzzards begins at 7 a.m. at Hinckley Elementary School, 1586 Center Road, with an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, served until 2 p.m.
Adults pay $6.50, and children 10 and younger eat for $4.
Receive a 50-cent discount by bringing a non-perishable food donation for local food pantries. Proceeds from the breakfast go to the Ehrbar Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Hinckley Township Firemen's Benevolence Fund.
Admission is free to the all-day arts and crafts fair in the gymnasium. Vinny, a live buzzard, will be there from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information and a schedule of events, visit clevelandmetroparks.com or call 440-526-1012.
