Another year, another trip to Magee Marsh for the big week of birding. Since we are retired we decided to go mid week to hopefully avoid the crowds, nope. I just read that an estimated 90,000 people visit NW Ohio to see the Warbler migration.
http://www.biggestweekinamericanbirding.com
Every year, there seems to be a change to the species you see in higher quantities.. Our first year Redstart’s were everywhere; they still hold a warm spot in my heart.
This was the year for Prothonotary Warblers, we saw more this year than previous years combined. One even made a nest in a post on the boardwalk.
The rock star for this year was an Eastern Screech Owl that stayed in the same tree (different branch) for our entire visit. Everyone knew where he was. New this year: sections of the boardwalk were numbered. Birds news travels quickly, Screech Owl at number 15.
We talked to Zach from tropical birding when we were in Ecuador. He said the company was sending a group to BWOB to recruit customers. I looked for them in Magee and we had a very nice conversation with Eric who is a native of Ecuador. He was amazed how quickly the weather changes in Ohio. Eighty and sunny one day, 55 and rain on the next. I told him to wait 15 minutes and it will change again. He knew our guide in Ecuador (Milton) and sent a video of the three of us saying, Hi Milton.
On this trip we set a new record for a vehicle in the parking lot that was driven the farthest distance: Alaska. I would love to know how many states are represented during the 10 days of the festival. Birders are crazy.
The color was not visible by the naked eye. From the net (must be right): human vision at night is limited and not as colorful. Cameras do not have these limitations. the human eye is not as sensitive to the wavelength of the northern lights as cameras
I never get tired of going here. We seem to find something new every year. I suggested we go before and after the big week of birding, I will see if I get any takers.
HAPPY TRAILS, STEVE