The buzzards returned to Hinkley, Ohio right on time this year. Every March 15, ever since 1819, supposedly, the buzzards have landed in this small town about 20 miles south of Cleveland. On the weekend when the buzzards come back, if the weather is good, there’s a boost in tourists who come to hang out at the edge of a field to keep a watchful eye for the first buzzard to appear.
The buzzards who head to Hinkley also give the town a special distinction-sort of like what the swallows have done for San Juan Capistrano. Each March 19, the swallows return to this monastery in southern California. Since March 19th is also St. Joseph’s Day, the swallows’ return to their nests after a winter away is seen as miraculous. Although, you may have missed the swallows’ actual return, you can still catch the Swallows Day Parade and Mercado on March 24.