The Biggest Week in American Birding!
The shore of Lake Erie in Ohio has been an absolute hotbed of birding activity the last couple of weeks. That really isn't a surprise though. This area sees large groups of birders throughout the spring season each year. Most birders are coming in hopes to see a fallout of warblers at the Magee Marsh boardwalk. Crazy stuff happens here and birders are shoulder to shoulder trying to get their life view of a Cape May Warbler or a much needed photo of that darn Kentucky Warbler that never seems to come out of the bush. Either way, no one person who visits here, leaves hungry. I spent only a couple of days and left with a huge grin on my face and tons of great photos.
All that being said, a place like this doesn't just come to fame on it's own. It took years of hard work and patience to get this place known as a "Birding Mecca." Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO) is located at the entrance to the marsh and the boardwalk. BSBO tirelessly works for the conservation of our natural wonders and education of our most precious resource, the kids! BSBO has started the Ohio Young Birder's Club (which Nikon proudly sponsors) and it has been a model for other states wanting to initiate similar programs. Kim Kaufman, director of BSBO, and her small army of dedicated volunteers have invested much energy to make this show become a reality. This year was the inaugural event, technically. Although thousands of birds have been using this forest for a great long time to refuel for the breeding season and thus, birders have always followed.
All that being said, a place like this doesn't just come to fame on it's own. It took years of hard work and patience to get this place known as a "Birding Mecca." Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO) is located at the entrance to the marsh and the boardwalk. BSBO tirelessly works for the conservation of our natural wonders and education of our most precious resource, the kids! BSBO has started the Ohio Young Birder's Club (which Nikon proudly sponsors) and it has been a model for other states wanting to initiate similar programs. Kim Kaufman, director of BSBO, and her small army of dedicated volunteers have invested much energy to make this show become a reality. This year was the inaugural event, technically. Although thousands of birds have been using this forest for a great long time to refuel for the breeding season and thus, birders have always followed.
Are you kidding me? Check out these birders with no room to spare. Keep in mind there is a lot more boardwalk than is provided in the photo. It is like this for a couple of weeks at Magee Marsh. It is without a doubt the largest concentration of birders in the country (for any season or reason).
Although I was not there during a fallout I did happen to catch a few cool birds. Check out the photos below!
Although I was not there during a fallout I did happen to catch a few cool birds. Check out the photos below!
The nuthatch-like Black and White Warblers spiraled around the trunks all day long giving many birders superb close views. This particular bird came close enough to nullify my Nikon D200's auto-focus, a few times. This male wasn't the only one around so I had other opportunities as well.
So right now as you're reading, I must tell you that you are reading a blog written by a guy whom never sees Cape May Warblers. Can you imagine my excitement when I realized I captured this gorgeous male outstretched. It's too bad the code of ethics state to be quiet on the boardwalk. If not, I would've had a little party to myself.
When I left after the first couple of days there were only three regularly occurring warblers in eastern North America that hadn't been seen on the boardwalk. Its truly a magical sight. Get there if you can and make sure to come for the 2011 Biggest Week in American Birding. Good Birding to all!
I would like to thank Kim Kaufman for providing the shot of the boardwalk crowd as well as making birding more and more fun, everyday. Cheers to Kim!
2 comments:
Wow - what a gorgeous picture of the Cape May Warbler! One of those "lifetime" pics, for sure!
Catherine,
You know, I have seen maybe a few dozen, but never really this close! I have never lived where they breed or even migrate commonly. Certainly a life pic for me. Thx!
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