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Hopewell Culture National Historical ParkCentral mounds at Mound City Group.
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Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
Birds
 
Field sparrow eggs and chicks hatching at Seip Earthworks.

Birds of all types have been observed utilizing the various habitats located on park land. In fact, 172 species have been observed during surveys of park land. Grassland birds such as Henslow’s sparrow, dickcissels, and eastern meadowlarks may be seen and/or heard. When wandering in upland areas, look up and listen for red-bellied woodpeckers, black and white warblers, and red-eyed vireos. Splashes of color can be seen throughout the year as indigo buntings, American goldfinches, and northern cardinals fly by. Occasionally a lucky park visitor may observe the Federally-listed bald eagle soaring overhead. Birds may be seen during all the seasons, whether transitory migrants or local inhabitants.

Mound City Group and High Bank Works contain land designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the Ohio Audobon Society. Sites designated as IBA are considered significant due to the presence of essential habitat and large numbers of bird species that utilize the area.

The Scioto Valley Bird and Nature Club. an active group of birders and nature lovers, regularly conducts bird walks on park grounds. In addition, they have been collecting information since 1988 and have compiled a bird checklist available at the Visitor Center. More information about the Club is available here or attend their meeting on the fourth Monday of every month at 7 pm at the Visitor Center.

The Henslow's sparrow's nesting habitat is grassland. Photo by Joe McMahon.
Canaries in the Mineshaft:
Why monitor birds at a historical park?
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Central Mound at Mound City Group.  

Did You Know?
William Mills documented the presence of 49 enclosures and 370 mounds in Ross County in his book entitled "Archaeological Atlas of Ohio," published in 1914.

Last Updated: December 06, 2008 at 12:00 EST