In 1957, when most people looked in the sky with their
astronomical binoculars, trying to spot the Russian satellite Sputnik, others at the same time looked to the sky for buzzards.
Now, 50 years later, many eyes are still watching the skies above the Hinckley Reservation of Cleveland Metro Parks as the turkey vultures flew back to town. There were about 4,500 people who attended the 50th Annual Buzzard Sunday, March 18th, at Buzzard Roost. Many observers were armed with
observation binoculars, but those who weren't, could pick up a free pair of cheap, but effective
binoculars inside the tent, near Buzzard Roost.
It's all told in a legend, 150 years ago, after the very big hunt in this area, the buzzards cleaned everything after the hunters left the woods. So, according to the legend and the facts, the birds have been returning on the same day, March 15th, ever since.
Since these birds play an important role in forest and field cleaning, they are fully protected by state and federal laws.