2019 Birding on the Water
BIRDING BY KAYAK
Activity Level: HIGH, must be able to climb in and out of kayak
Dates: May 9
Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Where: Meet at Howard Marsh Metropark
Fee: $40
Limited to 12 participants
*Metroparks Toledo will provide the kayaks, paddles, and life vests
Kayak Howard Marsh, the newest addition to Toledo’s spectacular Metropark system. Explore the six miles of water trails that traverses this unique wetland. Any new marsh system along the Lake Erie shores is a boon to birders, but Howard Marsh exceeded expectations drawing in shorebirds including hundreds of migratory American Golden Plovers, nesting Black-necked Stilts and even a Wilson’s Phalarope. On this trip you may also find nesting Osprey, Horned Larks, Sandhill Cranes and a lingering duck or two. Common, Foresters, and if we are lucky, Black Terns may be seen along with Bonaparte’s Gulls. This trip will be led by Metroparks Outdoor Skills staff and a Biggest Week Guide.
*Given that the weather in May can still be unpredictably cool and the water temperature can be cold, it is recommended that you prepare to dress in layers with no cotton, for participation on this trip.
Activity Level: HIGH, must be able to climb in and out of kayak
Dates: May 9
Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Where: Meet at Howard Marsh Metropark
Fee: $40
Limited to 12 participants
*Metroparks Toledo will provide the kayaks, paddles, and life vests
Kayak Howard Marsh, the newest addition to Toledo’s spectacular Metropark system. Explore the six miles of water trails that traverses this unique wetland. Any new marsh system along the Lake Erie shores is a boon to birders, but Howard Marsh exceeded expectations drawing in shorebirds including hundreds of migratory American Golden Plovers, nesting Black-necked Stilts and even a Wilson’s Phalarope. On this trip you may also find nesting Osprey, Horned Larks, Sandhill Cranes and a lingering duck or two. Common, Foresters, and if we are lucky, Black Terns may be seen along with Bonaparte’s Gulls. This trip will be led by Metroparks Outdoor Skills staff and a Biggest Week Guide.
*Given that the weather in May can still be unpredictably cool and the water temperature can be cold, it is recommended that you prepare to dress in layers with no cotton, for participation on this trip.
BIRDING BY CANOE
Activity Level: HIGH, must be able to climb in and out of canoes from the dock
Dates: May 6, 8, 10, 12
Time: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Board the van in front of Maumee Bay Lodge by 5:45 AM
Fee: $50
Limited to 12 participants per trip
*Parks will provide the canoes, paddles, and life vests
Canoe northwest Ohio's best kept secret—Green Creek. The creek meanders through two miles of habitat ideal for migrating warblers and flows into Mud Creek Bay, an arm of the larger Sandusky Bay. The property has a conservation easement with Black Swamp Conservancy and will eventually be deeded to the Sandusky County Park District. This trip is led by Tom Kashmer, Research Coordinator of the Sandusky County Park District, who will share the history of this unique area. Expect to see more Bald Eagles here than you will see all week, too! All this and we’ll still have you back in time to check out the daily action at the Magee Marsh boardwalk!
Itinerary note: We will be on the water for approximately 4 hours, from 7 AM to 11 AM, returning to Maumee Bay Lodge by noon.
Activity Level: HIGH, must be able to climb in and out of canoes from the dock
Dates: May 6, 8, 10, 12
Time: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Board the van in front of Maumee Bay Lodge by 5:45 AM
Fee: $50
Limited to 12 participants per trip
*Parks will provide the canoes, paddles, and life vests
Canoe northwest Ohio's best kept secret—Green Creek. The creek meanders through two miles of habitat ideal for migrating warblers and flows into Mud Creek Bay, an arm of the larger Sandusky Bay. The property has a conservation easement with Black Swamp Conservancy and will eventually be deeded to the Sandusky County Park District. This trip is led by Tom Kashmer, Research Coordinator of the Sandusky County Park District, who will share the history of this unique area. Expect to see more Bald Eagles here than you will see all week, too! All this and we’ll still have you back in time to check out the daily action at the Magee Marsh boardwalk!
Itinerary note: We will be on the water for approximately 4 hours, from 7 AM to 11 AM, returning to Maumee Bay Lodge by noon.
(SELF-GUIDED) BIRDING POINT PELEE NATIONAL PARK, ONTARIO CANADA ON BOARD THE JET EXPRESS
Activity Level: You set the level yourself.
Dates: Thursday, May 9, & Thursday, May 16
Time: 7:45 AM - 6:00 PM
Where: (see map below)
Jet Express Dock
3 N. Monroe Street
Port Clinton, OH 43452
Fee: $100
To make your reservation call the Jet Express directly at 800-245-1538, Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM EST
You must be a US OR CANADIAN Citizen and have a current US or Canadian passport
Experience spring migration on the northern shore of Lake Erie! Many migratory birds use Point Pelee to rest and feed as they make their long migratory flight across the lake in route to their northern nesting grounds. The Jet Express will take you to Point Pelee National Park to look for migrating songbirds along the Pelee peninsula. Continental breakfast, shuttle service on the peninsula, park entry fee, and a box lunch are included in this excursion. So grab your binoculars and jet away with us on this exciting birdwatching excursion! Be sure to bring a backpack to carry your box lunch. The Jet Express will bring you back to Port Clinton at the end of the day.
The Jet Express will mail tickets to the purchaser within two weeks of the purchase. If you make your reservation within 2 weeks of the trip date, your ticket will be held at the ticket window at the dock.
The Jet Express supports Black Swamp Bird Observatory by being a Birds & Business Alliance Partner!
Activity Level: You set the level yourself.
Dates: Thursday, May 9, & Thursday, May 16
Time: 7:45 AM - 6:00 PM
Where: (see map below)
Jet Express Dock
3 N. Monroe Street
Port Clinton, OH 43452
Fee: $100
To make your reservation call the Jet Express directly at 800-245-1538, Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM EST
You must be a US OR CANADIAN Citizen and have a current US or Canadian passport
Experience spring migration on the northern shore of Lake Erie! Many migratory birds use Point Pelee to rest and feed as they make their long migratory flight across the lake in route to their northern nesting grounds. The Jet Express will take you to Point Pelee National Park to look for migrating songbirds along the Pelee peninsula. Continental breakfast, shuttle service on the peninsula, park entry fee, and a box lunch are included in this excursion. So grab your binoculars and jet away with us on this exciting birdwatching excursion! Be sure to bring a backpack to carry your box lunch. The Jet Express will bring you back to Port Clinton at the end of the day.
The Jet Express will mail tickets to the purchaser within two weeks of the purchase. If you make your reservation within 2 weeks of the trip date, your ticket will be held at the ticket window at the dock.
The Jet Express supports Black Swamp Bird Observatory by being a Birds & Business Alliance Partner!