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Q: What is the Biggest
Week in American Birding?
A: The “Biggest Week 2012” is a 10 day “week” of
some of the best birding North America has to
offer. If you are anywhere else in the world in
mid-May, you are in the wrong place. Think about
it: A 10 day birding event featuring workshops,
guided birding activities, half-day birding bus
tours, keynote speakers, and more. Among the
myriad of events offered during the festival are
workshops, Woodcock Extravaganzas to observe the
extraordinary displays of these woodland
shorebirds, daily walks at the world famous
Magee Marsh boardwalk and other area birding
hotspots, evening keynote presentations, birding
by ear workshops, and presentations on world
birding. On top of all of that, birding guru
Kenn Kaufman will be teaching several bird
identification classes!
Q: Where is this
event held?
A: It all takes place in Northwest Ohio "The
Warbler Capital of the World." The festival
headquarters is moving to Maumee Bay Lodge &
Conference Center this year, with additional
vendors and activities at Black Swamp Bird
Observatory.
Q: Who is
organizing the Biggest Week?
A: The Biggest Week is organized by Black Swamp
Bird Observatory, with support from our co-hosts
at Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center, Lake
Erie Shores and Islands (Ottawa County and Erie
County Visitors' Bureau) , and Destination
Toledo (Lucas County Visitors' Bureau).
Q: Who is
organizing the Biggest Week?
A: The Biggest Week is hosted by
Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center, Black
Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO), and Destination
Toledo.
Q: Will the
guiding be professional?
A: Absolutely; all the guides are
professionals who guide bird tours all over the
world. They are donating their time to the
festival to
make this event possible, and want to give you
the best birding experience possible.
Q: Why come
to Northwest Ohio in May?
A: Because it is quite simply the best
birding in North America at this time. The
southern edge of Lake Erie acts as a barrier
that the birds are reluctant to cross. They tend
to "pile up" in the woodlots surrounded by
marshland on the lake’s southern edge. This
habitat is exactly what Magee Marsh and Ottawa
NWR provide.
Q: What birds
will I see during this time?
A: A bird list is provided for the
area with likely species during this time. Click
here
for the list. But in short,
you should expect to see at least 20 warbler
species every day, along with masses of
thrushes, vireos, flycatchers, orioles, and
other migrants in the woods, plus shorebirds and
others in the more open areas.
Q: What are the
likely warblers to be seen during the week?
A: Although the number of species seen
will depend on the birder, time spent and the
weather patterns, it is likely that an active
birder on the walks and birding alone will see
the vast majority if not all of the following :
American Redstart, Black-and-white Warbler,
Blackburnian Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler,
Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black-throated
Green Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, Canada
Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Cerulean Warbler,
Chestnut-sided Warbler, Common Yellowthroat,
Golden-winged Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Magnolia
Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Nashville Warbler,
Northern Parula, Northern Waterthrush,
Orange-crowned Warbler, Ovenbird, Palm Warbler,
Pine Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Tennessee
Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler,
Yellow-rumped Warbler. Several others such as
Yellow-throated Warbler and Worm-eating Warbler
are possible. In addition, the super-rare
Kirtland’s Warbler also passes through, and has
been seen during this period, but it is not to
be expected.
Q: Besides
the warblers, how does the birding rate?
A: After you have had your fill
of warblers for the day or week, there are
plenty of other options to keep you going. No
birder is likely to get bored in this area in
May. The marshlands around Magee Marsh and
Ottawa NWR hold vast numbers of waterbirds such
as swans, heron, and egrets. Ottawa is drawing
down water levels in some areas so birders will
be able to get great looks at most of the inland
shorebird species, including Dunlin, dowitchers,
yellowlegs, and sandpipers. Surrounding
woodlands hold most of the resident species from
the Great Lakes region, so if chasing Red-headed
Woodpeckers is your thing, you will be well
served.
Q: Are there
any tidal considerations for shorebirds?
A: No not tidal, but wind plays a
big part in changing water levels around
the edge of the lake. If there is a
strong northerly, the mudflats of Crane Creek
will be covered. Now for the most part, we will
be watching shorebirds in ponds that have been
drawn down in Ottawa NWR, so the water levels
will be stable through the day, and fluctuate
little from day to day. If wind conditions are
such that Crane Creek mudflats are the place to
be, we will have the message out.
Q: What are
the best birding localities to visit?
A: Must sees include Magee Marsh
Boardwalk for warblers and other songbird
migrants; Maumee Bay State Park for waterbirds
and their boardwalk for songbirds, Ottawa NWR for warblers, shorebirds,
and waterbirds; Black Swamp Bird Observatory for
American Woodcocks and migrants visiting the
water feature outside the window on wildlife;
Metzger Marsh for waterbirds and migrant
songbirds; Oak Opening for woodland species, and
other hotspots including Cedar Point National
Wildlife Refuge for the lucky few who can get
into this highly restricted area on one of the
bus trips.
Q: How
difficult will the birding be?
A: For the most part very easy, with many
warblers at eye level and water birds at close
range. For some of the more difficult species we
have guides available free of charge to help you
out around the clock (almost). At any time grab
one of them – you’ll recognize them by their
gold
caps – and fire away.
Q: Are any of these
birding areas wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes! The
boardwalks at Magee Marsh WA and Ottawa NWR are
both wheelchair accessible, and unless we have a
great deal of rain, most of the trails would be
as well.
Q: Will I need to
bring anything other than my normal birding
gear?
A: No special clothing required, and
there will be no drudging through mud. Keep in
mind that the weather can be fickle at this time
of year in northwest Ohio. Bring layers, and be
prepared for the potential of dramatic changes
in the weather from day-to-day.
Q: I’m interested in
bird photography; are there any good photo
opportunities?
A: Last year, Kenn Kaufman made the claim that
“during the month of May, there are more warbler
photos taken in northwest Ohio than in all the
rest of the USA combined!” While we can’t prove
that’s true, it probably is, and for good
reasons. Not only are there a LOT of warblers
around, but these little gems come down from
their usual treetop haunts to cavort at eye
level here.
If
you carry a huge camera lens mounted on a
tripod, you may find conditions a bit crowded on
the boardwalk at times, but there are ample
opportunities along the north edge of the woods
and many photographers have their best luck
there. Alternatively, if you use your camera
hand-held, you’re likely to find many willing
subjects posing all along the boardwalk – even
if warblers tend to pose only briefly!
Q: What is the
earliest and latest I can go birding in
Northwest Ohio?
A: Most places are open from dawn till
dusk. There will be guides available to help you
from around 8 am until 5 pm on most days
at Magee Marsh. This is contingent on what rarities are
around, so you may see us running the other way!
Q: Are some
times of the day better than others?
A: Yes, the mornings and afternoons are better
for most songbirds, though if there is a buildup
overnight it can be pumping all day. We suggest
that people are out looking by 8am and take the
middle of the day to relax, and enjoy one of our
programs that will be offered.
Q: Is there any
archive material from last year to give me an
idea of what the birding will be like?
A: Oh yes. Go to Kenn Kaufman's Crane
Creek Birding Blog
here
and review the posts from May 2010 and 2011. This will
give you a very good idea of what can be around.
Each year we have more guides looking, and
reporting what is where. So expect the best and
you will still not be disappointed.
Q: Where will the
nightly presentations be?
A: Talks will be held at Maumee Bay
State Park Nature Center in Oregon, Ohio and some 7:30 p.m.
talks will be help at Our Guest Inn and Suites,
in the nearby town of Port Clinton.
Q: How many
talks are there every night?
A: Most nights there will be two
presentations scheduled at 7:30 p.m.
Q: OK, the
birding is great, the workshops useful, and the
talks very entertaining, what about the social
aspects of birding?
A: While The Biggest Week really
focuses mainly on birds and birding, socializing
is something that the festival hosts hold close
to our hearts. We feel that besides just looking
at the birds, we want to build friendships
within the birding community, and because of
this we have social events spread through the 10
days. Be it a get together at the Maumee Bay
Lodge or chilling out in the middle of the day
with a box lunch at BSBO, we hope there will be a lot
of social interaction between local, interstate,
and international birders. At any point, drop
into the BSBO office and ask what’s going on
that day.
Q: Do I need
to be an expert birder to attend the bird walks?
A: No, absolutely not. All levels of
birders are welcome. The warbler walks will
concentrate on seeing all the target species for
the area so may not spend as much time on common
species as wanted by some beginners. We suggest
that beginners take advantage of the beginner
walks in the mornings on Saturdays and Sundays to deal with the basics,
do a water bird and shorebird workshop, and then
hit the Magee Marsh Boardwalk in the afternoon.
By the end of a 4 day visit, you will know the
ropes and be pulling in great birds like the
rest of us.
Q: My partner
is not a birder, will there be things for a
non-birder to do?
A: Visit the
Other Points of
Interest link on this site
which will provide a number of activities and
sightseeing opportunities including history,
museums, shopping and golf courses. We expect
that a non-birder could easily spend a week in
the area and still not have covered what this
area has to offer.
Q: What about
kids, can they come?
A: Kids are welcome if accompanied by
a parent or guardian. We have family walks on
Saturdays and Sundays.
Promoting youth birding is one of the main
priorities of the BSBO, so please, bring them
along and let’s get more youngsters enthused.
Q: Will there
be optics for beginners to use in the field?
A: For people on the
beginner walk and shorebird walks, there will be
a limited number of binoculars for use free of
charge for the duration of the walk that can be
checked out in the BSBO Gift Shop. The Magee
Marsh Bird Center also has binoculars to loan
out. However, for a minimal investment of less
than $200 for beginner binoculars, or $350 for
acceptable mid range binoculars, you can get
gear that will be yours for years. Drop into the
BSBO store and ask one of the birders for advice
on which is best for you.
Q: Do I need
to pre-register?
A: Yes, the workshops, bus tours, and
evening programs require pre-registration. To
register on-line, click the registration button.
You may select as many events as your schedule
permits. The only limitations are the bus trips
which are limited to one trip per attendee from
each bus trip group.
Q: Are there
any events I do not need to register for?
A: Yes, the guided bird walks,
family/beginner bird walks, and shorebird and
waterbird bird walks do not require
registration. Just show up at the designated
location at the designated time and show your
Biggest Week name badge.
Q: What is
the cancellation policy?
A: Regardless of the activity, we ask
that if you change your plans you let us know.
For the fee based activities, a full refund less
a $25 administrative fee will be provided if you
cancel prior to April 5th. We're sorry, but,
after April 4th we can no longer issue refunds.
Q: I am
interested in upgrading my optics. Will there be
someone there to answer my questions on what to
by next?
A: Yes! The Observatory carries a
variety of optic brands for you to try out and
we will have optics dealers from Eagle Optics
and Time & Optics onsite who can assist you with
all of your optic questions.
Q: Where is
the best place to stay during the event?
A: The festival headquarters is
located in a 120 room lodge. There is also
camping and cabins onsite to rent. There is also a good selection of
lodging in Port Clinton, 16 miles to the east,
and in Oregon, 12 miles west of this event site.
Refer to the
Area Lodging
button on this site for suggestions. We
encourage you to visit businesses that support
Black Swamp Bird Observatory through our BSBO
Business Alliance program! Please ask when
making your reservations; many of the local
hotels and restaurants donate a portion of your
bill back to the Observatory if you mention that
you heard about their establishment through us!
Q: Where can I grab a quick bite to eat for
lunch?
A:
Black Swamp Bird Observatory, at the entrance to
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, will have sandwiches
available for sale, and on Saturdays and
Sundays, the Observatory operates a Hotdog
Fundraiser. There are also a few restaurants
nearby. Check out the Dining page
here
for our Birds & Business Alliance Partners for
the nearest restaurants in the area.
Q: What are
the closest airports to this event?
A: The Cleveland Hopkins airport is 85
miles east and the Detroit Metro Airport is 70
miles northwest of Oak Harbor. This is where you
will get most flights from most major US cities
and international capitals. There is a smaller
airport at Toledo, which serves some local and
low cost carriers from the east coast.
Q: Where can
I rent a car?
A: There are car rental facilities from
Cleveland, Detroit, and Toledo. The easiest way
is just rent a car straight out of the Cleveland
or Detroit airports. You will not need anything
with high ground clearance or 4WD, so a sedan is
just fine and cheap.
Q: What will
the weather be like in mid-May?
A: Temperatures range from the mid-fifties to
mid-seventies Fahrenheit which can feel cool
since we are along Lake Erie. There are some
days where the midday temperatures are lower
than those in the early morning, so be prepared
with a coat at all times.
Q: I have
additional questions, who can I call?
A: For further
inquiries before the event call the Observatory
at 419-898-4070.
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