Ask Chip

Q. Hi, Chip: Federally-endangered piping plovers nested for the first time in 83 years in Ohio this past summer on Maumee Bay State Park’s inland beach.  I thought you might like to notify your readers.

Lee Mavis

Q. Hi Chip: Attached is a photo of a bird feeder I made last winter with three levels. It works great! The branch and tree I used to hang it came from my woods. I’ve also included a photo of what looks to possibly be a wildcat by my driveway on May 20, 2024; what do you think?

Chuck and Patrice Spinner, Pioneer Electric Cooperative

Mark Mechling, Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative

Dwight Derstine, Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative

“Hi, Chip!  I thought you might enjoy this picture of a treefrog sleeping on the back of this ornamental toad on top of a toad house. I took the photo while my husband was barbecuing and I was cleaning up our landscaping. The treefrog stayed until sunset. It made me smile, and I hope it makes you smile, too.”  – Katha Pancake, Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative

Chuck Spinner, Pioneer Electric Cooperative

Q: “Hi, Chip. I recently took the two attached pics along the Marion Tallgrass Trail in Marion County and was wondering what birds they are? The first was nesting (or trying to) in a nest box along the trail. I assume it’s a swift of some kind? The second I’m guessing is an oriole — do you know which one?”  Thanks! Really appreciate your nature expertise. Rick Boss, Consolidated Cooperative

Stephen Ledbetter (South Central Power Company)