Ever since the late 1950s, the return of the Hinckley buzzards has been a local sensation. It was in 1957 when the event first hit the big time. A Cleveland reporter was talking to Metroparks ranger Walter Nawalaniec, who mentioned that buzzards come to Hinckley every year on March 15. Nawalaniec had observed this for 6 years and his predecessor for 23. The reporter wrote up a story, and then predicted the return of the buzzards for March 15.
In the words of Julius Caesar, also associated with the Ides, the die had been cast. Everyone started watching the skies as the 15th approached.
Sure enough, early in the afternoon of March 15, 1957, the buzzards returned. Word traveled fast, and over 9,000 people came to watch the spectacle.
The following year, the city made plans for the spectators, thus, a Northeast Ohio tradition was born. Now on Every March 15th, the Metroparks welcomes visitors to Buzzard's Roost, where people can flock (laugh, it's funny) to watch the buzzards come flying in.
Now, every first Sunday after the 15th is Buzzard Day.
While the modern history of the buzzards is well known, the origin of why they come to Hinckley every March 15th remains obscure. Legend states that the arrival of the buzzards dates to the great Hinckley hunt of 1818, which sought eliminate wild animals from the area, making Hinckley safe for livestock. Unfortunately, there's a problem: the hunt was on Christmas Eve, not the Ides of March. Further discrediting the old legend, manuscripts from as early as 1810 record the presence of the buzzards. Before settlers entered the area, there were no written records, thus, the origin of why the buzzards come to Hinckley is, unfortunately, lost in the mist of time.
Okay, now for the part not everyone might not want to know. Buzzards have a nasty habit: vomiting in self defense. They have even been reported to have done this in mid flight! So, if you choose to come to Buzzard's Roost, you may want to bring a hat, just in case.
Also, if you're planning to come and watch the Buzzards, don't forget the camera, either. With a little know-how, some great photos can result.
For more info:
Hinckley Township
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