25-05-2025
Locals gather for Big Birding Weekend at Mosquito Lake
BAZETTA, Ohio (WKBN) — All eyes were to the skies for the Big Birding Weekend at Mosquito Lake. The activity has gained some popularity over the last couple of years.
'The birds have a world that's very big and most people don't know about it,' said Greg Miller, a dedicated birder.
In 1998, Miller set out to pursue a record of finding the most bird species in a year. His story, told in a book published in 2004, later turned into a movie called 'The Big Year,' starring Jack Black, who portrayed Miller.
'He really made me feel comfortable in a place that I wouldn't have felt comfortable at all, on a Hollywood set,' Miller said.
That's where Miller was a birding consultant.
Newton Falls native Ethan Kistler has traveled the world birding. He has even written a book about Ohio's bird species. Kistler says it can be a great activity for the young and old alike.
'I call it like 'Pokémon Go' in real life. Instead of looking at an app looking for Pokémon, you're actually outside looking for real living ones,' Kistler said.
For Miller, the connection with nature is what drives him back.
'I call it Windex for the soul, because what really happens as we accumulate negativity — it's like a magnifying glass, and our problems seem very big. But when I go out birding, I become so distracted. It doesn't change my problems, but it changes my perspective,' Miller said.
Volunteers with Friends of Mosquito Lake say they just want people to come and enjoy what nature has to offer.
'There's something for everyone to find something,' said Rich Urchek, a volunteer.
Rich says there are going to be plenty of events and happenings every weekend and most weekdays throughout the summer.
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