1981: Thousands Flock to Medina County to View Buzzards’ Annual Return

Thousands jammed the roads of Medina County in March of 1981 for the trek to Hinckley to view the buzzards’ annual return.

Local lore had it that the birds’ return dated to 1818, the year of the “Great Hinckley Hunt.” On Christmas Eve, a bunch of settlers in the area, troubled by bears and coyotes, enlisted the help of hunters from as far north as Cleveland. They killed dozens of bears and wolves — and hundreds of deer — more than they could eat. The carcasses were left in the wilderness and, following the spring thaw, were feasted on by migrating turkey vultures in the spring. Other accounts from the same time suggested that buzzards were a frequent sight at a nearby Native American gallows.

In 1957, Cleveland Press reporter Robert Bordner wrote a story saying that for decades, not only had the buzzards been coming to Hinckley, they’d been doing so on March 15. And what had been a day out for a dedicated group of birders and local scout troops became an honest-to-goodness event, drawing 9,000 spectators.

Afterward, the municipality threw out the welcome mat in anticipation of crowds, including a pancake breakfast, T-shirts and other souvenirs on what was proclaimed “Buzzard Day.” Events now include a craft show. Crowds started to stretch the municipality nearly to its breaking point and making some wonder if it’s worth it year in and year out.

It was estimated that more than 45,000 people came to look for the birds in 1981, with 3,000 stopping at the pancake breakfast. Except for a couple years off during the COVID-19 pandemic, crowds still turn out every March in Hinckley Township to watch the buzzards return.  

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