6th annual Chagrin River Bird Quest set

Two local chapters of the National Audubon Society challenge everyone who enjoys birds are invited to safely explore the Chagrin River Valley and find as many bird species as they can in the sixth annual Chagrin River Bird Quest.

Bird alone or in teams and record species in one 24-hour period from 4 p.m., Sept. 11 to 4 p.m., Sept. 12. Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland and Blackbrook Audubon Society are cosponsoring this birding event which includes parts of Lake, Geauga, Cuyahoga and Portage counties.

All Bird Quest activities and materials are free, but registration is required by Sept. 10.

Due to the coronavirus, this year’s event looks and feels a little different, but it will still include food, prizes and fun, according to a news release.

To start, those interested should assemble a team and get themselves registered at https://clevelandaudubon. org/?page_id=4455. Drive-through team check-in will take place Sept. 11, between 4 and 6 p.m. at the Deer Run Shelter in Geauga Park District’s The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Road in Russell

Township. Participants will get free maps, checklists, T-shirts and a Subway gift card for lunch.

Participants will then spend the next 24 hours birding. For challenge rules, visit www.clevelandaudubon.org.

Then, on Sept. 12, turn in checklist for judging by 4 p.m. and plan to “attend” the Quest Celebration at 7 p.m. virtually on Zoom. An email about how to join will be emailed to everyone upon registration.

“As always, we will have an evening of awards, prizes and good times,” Cleveland Audubon said in a news release.