NORTHWEST OHIO – Friday, May 9, began the Biggest Week in American Birding, sponsored by the Black Swamp Bird Observatory.
We are the “Warbler capital of the world” right now as thousands of many species of warblers make their way through our region. The epicenter of the local experience is Magee Marsh Wildlife Area and nearby marshes, including Howard Marsh Metropark and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.
As expert birders will tell you, the claim to be the best place to see warblers right now is not an exaggeration. It’s not just that they come through in huge numbers, it’s that their favorite place to stop, rest and refuel before their non-stop flight over Lake Erie is a small area with excellent access for birders. The Magee Marsh Bird Trail is the place to be if you want to see warblers.
The featured photo is of a hooded warbler, one of dozens of colorful warblers and other songbird species that will be coming through in the coming weeks. This particular warbler is, in my opinion, one of the best in terms of unusual and striking plumage and a very descriptive name.
The very best weeks to enjoy the spring songbird migration are upon us, and it’s a very special show with the colorful warblers as the stars. One of the favorites among the many species to marvel over is the hooded warbler. Its rich yellow plumage is capped by the unique black markings that give this beautiful bird its name.
One look and you’ll agree that the hooded warbler is one of the most descriptive names of any bird. It’s not only the colorfully unique appearance of this bird that creates the excitement. Even though it is relatively common through much of its range, that’s not the case at Magee where migrating hooded warblers are considered uncommon to rare. It happens to be a species that birders intent on seeing it will be more likely find it in the Oak Openings Region.
The truth is, we’re blessed with birding riches. Any natural area, backyard or neighborhood woodlot has the promise of hosting great birds right now. The best most accessible concentration will be at Magee, but the Metroparks Toledo, Toledo City parks, like Ottawa Park and Riverside, the Maumee River Valley, are all great possibilities.
But there are dozens of warbler species that will be here, some of them passing through and others that will stay and nest. Some are common here in migration, others are more elusive.
