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Hopewell Culture National Historical ParkTrees along the Scioto River.
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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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Map of the Hopewell site from 1848, then named Clark's Works.  

Did You Know?
The first publication of the Smithsonian Institution in 1848 was an extensive survey of archeology sites that included all of the sites at Hopewell Culture. The book was authored by Ephraim Squier and Edwin Davis, residents of the town of Chillicothe where the park is located.

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