Spring is settling in for Greene County residents and in particular, Waynesburg University students. Students aren’t the only creatures on campus though; besides the abundance of squirrels, birds are returning to their usual chirping in Waynesburg.

One of the most notable bird experts in the area can be found at the Ralph K. Bell Bird Club located in Greene County. 

Led by Waynesburg native Marjorie Howard, the Bird Club continues the legacy of Ralph Bell, an avid bird enthusiast who inspired Howard to pursue her interests in birds further.

“I went to a bird talk and Ralph Bell was the speaker, and he spoke about a red-eyed Vireo which I had never heard of before,” Howard said. “After the talk I spoke with him, and he invited me to join him on a Christmas bird count and the rest is history.”

There are many birds that co-exist with the multitude of squirrels and other animals on campus at Waynesburg University. Students oftentimes can spot these birds perching on statues or benches in the spring and summer.

Tyler Gordon, a sophomore finance major at Waynesburg University, briefly spoke about the birds he sees around campus.

Gordon, who commented that his favorite bird is a Blue Jay, said, “I notice crows the most in this area.”

Though the crow may be one of the birds that is seen on campus, Howard claimed that there are a few very interesting birds spotted in Greene County. 

“There are birds seen in the county that are on the conservation concern list.  Some of them are Cerulean Warbler, Wood Thrush and Red-headed Woodpecker, which all nest here in Greene County.”

The bird club, as described by Howard, was created to honor Bell for his many years of learning and teaching others about birds. Keeping records in his teen years and continuing until his death at the age of 99. 

Spring is here and summer looms, so taking a moment to appreciate nature could help students, staff and the people of Waynesburg to appreciate the world around them.