It happens Sunday, March 15th, in Hinckley, OH: the return of the buzzards! Yes, the first sign of spring appears like clockwork (or so they say) on March 15th of each year, as that most unlovely bird, also known as a turkey vulture, shows up at the Hinckley Reservation in Ohio. How is it that the first buzzard appearance is always March 15th? Simple, really: no sighting of the bird is official until the Official Buzzard Spotter spots the first buzzard on the morning of the 15th.

Begin your Buzzard Day with a pancake breakfast at the Hinckley elementary school.

Begin your Buzzard Day with a pancake breakfast at the Hinckley elementary school.

The town makes a day of it, starting with an AYCE pancake breakfast, with special “buzzard-blend” sausage. That will be followed by an arts and crafts fair, a carnival, magic shows, games, a pet contest, and an appearance by Vinnie the Buzzard. Or show up, camera in hand, at the Buzzard Roost at the Hinckley Reservation at 7 a.m. to help the Official Buzzard Spotter spot the first buzzard! Find more details here and here.