Monday, March 15, 2010

Welcome Back

March 15th is a momentous day in Hinckley, Ohio. After months of winter spent in parts to the south, the most famous residents return--The Buzzards.

Traditionally, the Buzzards (or Turkey Vultures if you prefer) appear annually at Hinckley on March 15th. No one knows exactly why but some say that they gather in remembrance of the Great Hunt of 1818.
Various hunts were organized as residents came in sufficient numbers. One known as the Great Hinckley Hunt was organized at the home of Mrs. Seth Paine in December, 1818. The roundup was in Hinckley Township, Medina County. At the meeting to organize the hunt, Carey Oakes was appointed captain for Brecksville, John Ferris for Royalton, Judge John Newton for Richfield, and 'Squire FYeyer for Brunswick. This day has become historical, the day of the great hunt. The posse of men under strict discipline, surrounded the township of Hinckley and gradually drew in the line until every animal either was killed or escaped through the firing line. The net result of the hunt amounted to the following in animals killed: Deer, 365 ; bear, 17; wolves, 5.
(From A History of Cuyahoga County and the City of Cleveland, by William R. Coates, Volume I, pg 51. Published by The American Historical Society, Chicago and New York, 1924 (pdf file HERE. Caution: It's huge!)

One heck of a deer drive, guys!

Certainly with that many animals downed even the entrails would provide a most memorable feast for carrion feeders such as the Turkey Vulture. I mean seriously, I count 387 gut piles! Good thing it was December or the place would have reeked!

Anyway. March 15th is the day the Buzzards are supposed to arrive back in Hinckley and they make a big stink out of that, too.

(Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So sometimes the Buzzards are early and sometimes they are late. But you know what? THe folks in Hinckley don't really give a... hoot. After all those weeks of winter they want to PAR-TAY!)

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