Firelands Aububon Meetings:
Our monthly meetings run September through May. They are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month, usually at 7PM.
The meetings are conducted in the large classroom at the Roger Johnson Nature Center at Osborn Metropark (unless stated otherwise).
Our meetings are filled with information, photographs, and wonderful speakers, all in a welcoming environment.
Bay-breasted Warbler
2026-2027 Program Year:
Guest Speaker:
Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative
November 24, 7-8pm
In addition to frustrating birders by blocking the view into marshes, invasive Phragmites australis is notoriously difficult to manage, and there is uncertainty surrounding the efficacy of the many management techniques used to control it.
The Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative (GLPC) was established in 2012 to reduce the spread and occurrence of Phragmites by improving its management and research. The Phragmites Adaptive Management Framework (PAMF) is a participatory science program led by the GLPC that uses data collected by participants to update a predictive model that in turn provides participants with management guidance for the coming year.
This presentation will provide an overview of our latest accomplishments, how our Active Adaptive Management program (AAMP) is improving the PAMF predictive model, and highlight how attendees can get involved.
Potluck and Slideshow Safari
January 26, 6-8pm
Slideshow Safari: Share your travel photos and nature sightings!
Bring a dish to share for the dinner, as well as some of your favorite photos and stories from the past year (or so). A laptop and TV screen will be available to use. Feel free to bring photos on an SD card or a USB drive, or you can connect to the screen using an HDMI output.
Guest Speaker: Tim Fleck
"Eagle Scouting"
February 23, 7-8pm
Firelands Audubon Society member Tim had a rare opportunity to photograph and document the growth of two Bald Eagle chicks in Sandusky. The nest was located in 2025, but no chicks were produced. However, for the start of 2026, adults were in the nest! Tim visited frequently and was thrilled when he saw the first chick pop its head over the edge.
Making three trips a day, almost every day - in good weather and bad - Tim was able to take advantage of this rare opportunity, photographing them at a safe distance from his car. Not only was it a great opportunity to document their fast growth, but the family provided Tim with many photo opportunities. Join us as Tim tells the family's story through his photographs.
Guest Speaker: Gautam Apte
Morning Flight at Lake Erie: Insights on Longshore Migration
March 23, 7-8pm
Gautam Apte will share findings and results from Black Swamp Bird Observatory’s surveys of visible migration at Metzger Marsh, including an overview of the project to date and an examination of results that add new depth to the understanding of migration in the region.
Guest Speaker: Jeff Schill
A Love of Wildlife Through Sobriety
April 27, 7-8pm
Jeff Schill presents on his sobriety journey and how it led to his love of natural areas and wildlife photography. Follow Jeff's story about how connecting with nature has benefited him, as he shares some of his experiences through wildlife photography.
Annual Meeting
Guest Speaker: TBA