Ever hand feed a bird? In a winter rite of passage in Northeast Ohio, you can – by hand-feeding chickadees at several area locations.
Through February 1
Bird in Hand. Bird in Hand is a rare winter experience where a wild chickadee chooses you, gently landing in your hand for a moment that feels truly magical. This peaceful, family-friendly activity only happens in winter at Beech Creek, making it an unforgettable and affordable memory you won’t find anywhere else. Saturdays and Sundays. Noon-4 p.m. Beech Creek Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve. 11929 Beech St NE, Alliance, beechcreekgardens.org/
January 3-February 28
Cleveland Metroparks Brecksville Reservation: The park supplies black oil sunflower seeds and instructions that help make your experience one to remember. Hand-feed during designated program times only – 10 a.m.-Noon on Saturdays and Sundays. Hand washing/sanitizer required after hand-feed. Registration is not required. All ages are welcome to participate. Brecksville Nature Center, 9000 Chippewa Road, Brecksville. Clevelandmetroparks.com
Saturdays, January 24 & 31
Coffee with the Birds. Join a naturalist to see which birds visit the viewing area. Bring a mug and bird questions — the park will provide warm beverages and birding insights. Make it a total “bird-iful” day: Hand feed the chickadees or stay to help count birds for Project Feeder Watch. Liberty Park Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. 10-11 a.m. summitmetroparks.org
