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Biggest Week Van Trips
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We're proud of the quality of our van trips. Our small groups (only ten people per van), wonderful leaders, and great value make for excellent birding and memories. Two experienced leaders will share the best birding in the region with everyone on the trip, keep the group on pace, and safely transport the group between sites. Van trips require the participant's ability to enter and exit a 15-passenger van without assistance on multiple occasions. The leader will provide a wooden step due to the van's clearance. Some locations may involve up to 1.5-2 miles and 2-3 hours away from the van at a time. Please see the accessibility section of the site guides linked next to each trip.
Please note: All van trips will leave from and return to Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center. Each van will be numbered, so be sure to match your van number listed on your itinerary with the numbered van in the parking lot. Vans will be lined up in numerical order each morning. Boxed lunches are available by filling out a form at the front desk of the Maumee Bay Lodge the day before. You will pick up your lunch from the front desk in the morning before boarding the van. You do not have to be a registered guest of Maumee Bay Lodge to order a boxed lunch. |
Some of our trips offer pickup for participants staying in Port Clinton. Please arrive at the pickup location no later than 6:30 a.m. Click HERE for a map to the parking lot.
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The 2024 Biggest Week In American Birding Van Trips were sponsored by Zeiss and Land Sea & Sky.
Zeiss graciously provided a Conquest Gavia 85mm spotting scope for Biggest Week participants to use while on a van trip. Each van was equipped with one Zeiss spotting scope in addition to any scopes leaders brought. |
We are excited to share the Biggest Week in American Birding Field Trip Site Guides! This exciting library of resources helps share information about one of the most popular aspects of the festival. In these site guides, you will find information about the locations the trips visit, accessibility information, meeting locations, target species, and how to get your eBird checklists following the trip. To access these, click the cover images next to each of the field trip descriptions or click the button below to visit the full library.
We're excited to provide accessibility information for our field trips with new icons listed next to each trip. Please use the dropdown menu below to access the full key of these icons.
Field trip Accessibility icon key (Click to expand)
Accessible, all gender restroom or portable toilet available
Entire field trip is wheelchair friendly
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Standard-sized bathroom or portable toilet availabe
Firm and stable trail surface
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Stationary birding for at least 20 minutes is incorporated into this field trip
Rugged and/or steep trail/s: May involve sand, grass or loose gravel
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One site is visited
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Multiple sites are visited: accessibility may vary between sites
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Unknown: It depends where the leaders choose to go
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Big Day
Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!
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Activity Level: Moderate
Dates: May 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18 (Every day except Tues. and Thurs.) Time: 6:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Where: Board the vans in front of Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center by 5:45 a.m. Fee: $65 Registration Required Limited to 10 participants per van Our Big Day Vans are a great way to enjoy the thrill of spring migration. With so much diversity in species and habitats in the region, these field trips allow you to experience as much as possible. Leaders will work to provide participants with the greatest number of species possible while also working to ensure that participants can enjoy the birds at a comfortable yet fast and competitive pace. A suggested route is provided to all leaders for the day However, leaders have the opportunity to modify this route based on knowledge of the region and what sites are the most productive at the time. Please note this is a relatively fast-paced field trip with a friendly competitive feel.
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Birding the Lakefront
Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!
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Activity Level: Moderate
Dates: May 11, 13, 15, 18 Time: 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Where: Board the vans in front of Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center by 5:45 a.m. Fee: $65 Registration Required Limited to 10 participants per van One of the most exciting parts of spring along the Lake Erie shores is that you never know what you’ll find! This field trip covers several of the top hotspots along the lakefront. Designed with diverse habitats and birds in mind, this trip covers beaches, woodlands, open habitats, and marshes. These sites are essential for migrant and breeding species. This trip will target an array of warblers, waterfowl, shorebirds, gulls, terns, waders, and much more! This field trip starts at the home base of The Biggest Week in American Birding, Maumee Bay State Park. The trip will then visit Mallard Club Wildlife Area, Howard Marsh Metropark, and Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area. Each of these sites provides excellent marsh habitat that is managed differently and is sure to diversify the species total for the day.
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Birding the Maumee River
Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!
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Activity Level: Moderate
Dates: May 12, 13, 15, 16 Time: 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Where: Board the vans in front of Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center by 5:45 a.m. Fee: $65 Registration Required Limited to 10 participants per van The Maumee River was originally known as the Miami of the Lakes. But the pronunciation of “Miami” devolved into “Maumee,” which was allowed to stand to prevent confusion with the Miami River in southern Ohio. Early settlers described the river’s color as coppery and clear. The river is lined with parks, and fishing access sites provide stopover habitat for many migrant species. This field trip covers many sites that are not birded as often, allowing the group to find good birds off the beaten path. Many of these riverside sites are covered in mature Cottonwood trees, which are great at attracting insect- eating birds. Several species of egrets and herons use the rivers for hunting and nesting.
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Catawba Island / Marblehead Peninsula
Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!
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Activity Level: Moderate
Dates: May 9, 12, 14, 16, 17 Time: 6:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Where: Board the vans in front of Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center by 5:45 a.m. Fee: $65 Registration Required Limited to 10 participants per van Port Clinton Pickup: Please arrive at the pickup location no later than 6:30 a.m. Click HERE for a map to the parking lot The Catawba Island / Marblehead Peninsula region can be one of the most exciting sites to bird in Ohio during spring migration. The right weather patterns can funnel incredible numbers of birds into the hotspots in the area. This field trip will cover several of the best migrant trap hotspots, marshes, and lake access points highlighted by East Harbor State Park - the primary stop for the morning. The diversity of habitats and nature of migrant trap woodlots can lead to an exciting and extensive list of species possible for this trip. Additionally, the group will have the opportunity to visit the historic Marblehead Lighthouse and view the only natural US population of the rare Lakeside Daisy! It’s sure to be an exciting day!
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Leader's Choice
Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!
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Activity Level: Moderate
Dates: May 9-18 Times: 6:00- 10:00 a.m. (morning session) / 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (afternoon session) Where: Board the vans in front of Maumee Bay Lodge by 5:45 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. Fee: $40 Registration Required Limited to 10 participants per van; one van in the morning, one van in the afternoon As the name suggests, our Leader’s Choice Van Trips allow the guides to pick where they want to go! Guides may choose to visit a park that they know well and want to share their knowledge of the location or pick their location based on recent reports or birding trends throughout the festival. This is a great trip to catch all of the hottest birding trends during The Biggest Week In American Birding. If one site has been particularly good for shorebird diversity, leaders may choose to visit there. If there have been consistently good migrant flocks at another location, they may choose to visit that site.
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Metroparks Toledo
Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!
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Activity Level: Moderate
Dates: May 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18 Times: 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Where: Board the vans in front of Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center by 5:45 a.m. Fee: $65 Registration Required Limited to 10 participants per van The Metroparks Toledo system is one of the most impressive city-funded park systems around. The Biggest Week In American Birding is excited to partner with this great team and visit these sites. Many of the field trips visit one of their properties. This field trip in particular focuses on two of the larger, yet lesser-birded properties by visitors to the area: Secor and Wildwood Preserve Metroparks. Additionally, this trip visits both parts of the popular Pearson Metropark. The habitat preserved in these parks allows the group to try for certain species that are otherwise rare or absent in the rest of the festival’s region such as Louisiana Waterthrush, Hooded and Yellow-throated Warblers, and Barred Owl.
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Oak Openings Preserve Metropark
Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!
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Activity Level: Moderate
Dates: May 9-18 Times: 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Where: Board the vans in front of Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center by 5:45 a.m. Fee: $65 Registration Required Limited to 10 participants per van Oak Openings Preserve Metropark is the crown jewel of the Metroparks Toledo system. The preserve is the largest of the Metroparks Toledo system at 5,000 acres. Oak Openings Preserve Metropark is known for its oak savannas and ancient sand dunes, making for a very special habitat for breeding and migrant songbirds. On this tour, The Biggest Week In American Birding guides will help you find an assortment of migrating warblers as well as locally rare breeders. Many of the species found here are difficult to find in the lakefront birding hotspots.
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Off the Beaten Path - Wood / Sandusky Counties
Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!
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Activity Level: Moderate
Dates: May 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18 Times: 6:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Where: Board the vans in front of Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center by 5:45 a.m. Fee: $65 Registration Required Limited to 10 participants per van As the name suggests, this trip covers many of the best Wood and Sandusky County parks. While birders often think of the lakefront hotspots this time of year, there are wonderful and well-maintained parks inland that most do not visit. The habitat is perfect for many migrant and resident species. This trip visits Creek Bend Farm, Ringneck Ridge Wildlife Area, and White Star Park, all in the Sandusky County Park District. Cedar Creeks Preserve and Nature Trails Park are part of the Wood County Park District. This field trip quickly became a favorite for both participants and leaders. With excellent quality parks, well-maintained habitats, and a great time of year, this trip will surely make for a great day!
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Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!
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Activity Level: Moderate
Dates: May 9, 12, 14 Times: 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Where: Board the vans in front of Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center by 5:45 a.m. Fee: $65 Registration Required Limited to 10 participants per van One of the most beloved birding hotspots in the region is Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Many birders enjoy the wonderful auto tour, woodlot trails, and beautiful visitors center. But did you know there is much more to this refuge? There are additional properties all around the region that are owned and managed as part of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, and this van trip sets out to bird the well-known and lesser-known parts of the refuge! The wide array of habitats this trip covers allows for a diverse and exciting species list, including many migrant songbirds, waders, water birds, shorebirds, raptors, and much more!
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Private Lands
Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!
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Activity Level: Moderate
Dates: May 11, 13, 16 Times: 6:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Where: Board the vans in front of Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center by 5:45 a.m. Fee: $65 Registration Required Limited to 10 participants per van Port Clinton Pickup: Please arrive at the pickup location no later than 6:30 a.m. Click HERE for a map to the parking lot This field trip provides the ONLY birding access to two excellent private properties. These sites are otherwise closed to the public. Black Swamp Bird Observatory is proud to partner with the team at Winous Point Marsh Conservancy and the Harder family at Earth Heart Farms. Since 1856, Winous Point has been one of Ohio’s largest and most active conservation organizations for waterfowl and wetland protection and management. What started as one of the country’s most prestigious hunt clubs has since founded a non-profit conservancy focused on being leaders in marshland protection, management, and celebrating biodiversity in NW Ohio. Earth Heart Farms is a family-owned property with owners who took it upon themselves to provide habitat for wildlife. The result has been an excellent location for migrant and breeding birds! We want to thank these important partners for allowing us to share their properties with participants of the Biggest Week!
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Pointe Mouillee State Game Area
Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!
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Activity Level: Moderate
Dates: May 10, 13, 15, 17 Times: 6:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Where: Board the vans in front of Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center by 5:45 a.m. Fee: $65 Registration Required Limited to 10 participants per van Pointe Mouillee State Game Area is one of the largest freshwater wetland restoration projects in the world. At over 4,000 acres, this site is one of the prime locations for migratory and breeding waterfowl, waders, and shorebirds. In the winter, this site is home to a large number and diversity of waterfowl. This is the only out-of-state field trip currently offered at The Biggest Week In American Birding. This location is open to the public for walking and biking the miles of dike road trails. However, The Biggest Week In American Birding has special permission to take our vans into this incredible birding location!
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Sandusky Bay / Pickerel Creek
Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!
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Activity Level: Moderate
Dates: May 10, 12, 15, 18 Times: 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Where: Board the vans in front of Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center by 5:45 a.m. Fee: $65 Registration Required Limited to 10 participants per van Port Clinton Pickup: Please arrive at the pickup location no later than 6:30 a.m. Click HERE for a map to the parking lot The south side of Sandusky Bay has multiple excellent birding sites that host a diverse array of migrant and breeding birds. The wooded sections of these sites provide an ideal stopover habitat for migrant songbirds, including warblers, vireos, tanagers, orioles, and more. Depending on water levels, marsh habitat and lakefront viewing will help diversify the day with waders, waterfowl, gulls, terns, American White Pelicans, and shorebirds. The beautiful parks and diverse habitats make for a great day of birding.
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The Wilds of Erie County
Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!
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Activity Level: Moderate
Dates: May 9-18 Times: 6:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Where: Board the vans in front of Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center by 5:45 a.m. Fee: $65 Registration Required Limited to 10 participants per van Port Clinton Pickup: Please arrive at the pickup location no later than 6:30 a.m. Click HERE for a map to the parking lot The Wilds of Erie County trip covers two of the best birding sites in the county: Pipe Creek Wildlife Area and Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve. Both sites can be excellent migration sites and can yield a long, diverse list of birds! The marsh units at Pipe Creek and the woodland area at Sheldon Marsh also provide nesting habitats for many species of songbirds and marsh birds. The dense, wet, wooded areas at both sites can provide opportunities for many of the more difficult or highly sought-after species in the area.
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A percentage of the funds raised for The Biggest Week In American Birding's Van Trips will go towards the Barb Padgett Migratory Bird Research and Education Fund. Barb Padgett was an avid birder, conservationist, political activist, and beloved social media personality.This fund will provide support for Black Swamp Bird Observatory's long-time migratory songbird research and our youth birding and nature programs, aspects of our mission that Barb cared deeply about. CLICK HERE to donate to the Barb Padgett Migratory Bird Research and Education Fund.
BIGGEST WEEK YOU DRIVE / WE LEAD
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Pearson Metropark You Drive / We Lead
participants after a great morning of birding! |
These trips allow you to drive yourself to the location where you'll meet an expert leader for a three hour birding experience. These trips are affordable, fun, and allow you to travel with as much of your birding gear as you like, whatever music you like, all in the comfort of your own vehicle!
You Drive / We Lead trips spend the duration of the 3 hours away from the vehicles. Please plan accordingly for weather, sunlight, wind, and insects. For accessibility information, please see the site guided linked next to each trips descriptions. For a list of all of the meeting locations with GPS pins and
Google Maps links, click the button below! |
We are excited to share the Biggest Week in American Birding Field Trip Site Guides! This exciting library of resources helps share information about one of the most popular aspects of the festival. In these site guides, you will find information about the locations the trips visit, accessibility information, meeting locations, target species, and how to get your eBird checklists following the trip. To access these, click the cover images next to each of the field trip descriptions or click the button below to visit the full library.
We're excited to provide accessibility information for our field trips with new icons listed next to each trip. Please use the dropdown menu below to access the full key of these icons.
Field trip Accessibility icon key (Click to expand)
Accessible, all gender restroom or portable toilet available
Entire field trip is wheelchair friendly
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Standard-sized bathroom or portable toilet availabe
Firm and stable trail surface
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Stationary birding for at least 20 minutes is incorporated into this field trip
Rugged and/or steep trail/s: May involve sand, grass or loose gravel
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One site is visited
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Multiple sites are visited: accessibility may vary between sites
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Unknown: It depends where the leaders choose to go
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East Harbor State Park
Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!
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Activity Level: Easy
Dates: May 11, 14, 17 Time: 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Meeting Location: East Harbor State Park 1169 N Buck Road Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440 Click HERE for Google Maps Fee: $20 Registration Required Limited to 25 participants NO TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED East Harbor State Park is the largest park in the Catawba Island / Marblehead Peninsula area. This vast park offers diverse habitat, attracting a great diversity in spring. From dense forested areas to lakefront beaches and rocky islands, you never know what you could find here. The trail running parallel to the coast provides excellent habitat for migrant songbirds and vantage points for lakefront birds.
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Howard Marsh Metropark
Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!
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Activity Level: Easy
Dates: May 9, 15, 18 Time: 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Meeting Location: Parking area west of the bathroom. Look for the Biggest Week sign. 401-621 S. Howard Rd. Curtice, OH 43412 Click HERE for Google Maps Fee: $20 Registration Required Limited to 25 participants NO TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED Howard Marsh Metropark opened in Spring 2018 and immediately had a special place in the hearts of birders. This amazing restoration took a farm field and transformed it into an oasis for migrant waterfowl, shorebirds, waders, and more! The park also became a breeding ground for sought-after species such as Sora, Virginia Rail, King Rail, Least Bittern, Marsh Wren, and much more. What likely brought the most fame to the site were the Yellow-headed Blackbirds and Black-necked Stilts that have returned to nest each year. In some years, the water level is drawn down creating great habitat for migrant shorebirds. In the Fall of 2022, the beloved park became even better as “Phase II” opened up on the opposite side of Howard Rd. This increase in habitat has continued to provide great birding.
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Maumee Bay State Park
Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!
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Activity Level: Easy
Dates: May 11, 14, 17 Time: 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Meeting Location: Maumee Bay State Park - "The Hill" Parking Lot Park Road 3 Oregon, OH 43616 Click HERE for Google Maps Fee: $20 Registration Required Limited to 25 participants NO TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED Maumee Bay State Park is the home base for The Biggest Week In American Birding Festival and a fantastic birding location! The You Drive/We Lead trip will meet at parking lot #7 near The Hill towards the beach. The wooded section of the trail provides good opportunities for many of the migrant songbirds passing through the area. If time permits, the group can drive to the parking lot for both the main and inland beaches. This site is often an excellent stopover site for many gulls, shorebirds, and waders. This variety of habitats can allow for a diverse species list for the morning. There’s no telling what surprises await birders along the lakefront on this outing.
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Meadowbrook Marsh
Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!
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Activity Level: Easy
Dates: May 11, 14, 17 Time: 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Meeting Location: Meadowbrook Marsh 8577 E Bayshore Rd Lakeside, OH 43440 Click HERE for Google Maps Fee: $20 Registration Required Limited to 25 participants NO TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED Meadowbrook Marsh is great for migrant songbirds, water birds, and raptors. Its location on the Meadow Brook and near the Sandusky Bay makes for a productive birding stop. The observation deck overlooking the Meadow Brook is a great place to add marsh birds, including Trumpeter Swan. The wooded portion of the trails can be excellent for migrant warblers. The open field areas can be productive for sparrows, flycatchers, and flyover raptors.
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Oak Openings Preserve Metropark
Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!
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Activity Level: Easy
Dates: May 9-18 Time: 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Meeting Location: Oak Openings Metropark Lodge 5440 Wilkins Rd Whitehouse, OH 43571 Click HERE for Google Maps Fee: $20 Registration Required Limited to 25 participants NO TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED Oak Openings Preserve Metropark is the crown jewel of the Metroparks Toledo system. The preserve is the largest of the Metroparks Toledo system at 5,000 acres. Oak Openings Preserve Metropark is known for its oak savannas and ancient sand dunes, making for a very special habitat for breeding and migrant songbirds. On this tour, The Biggest Week In American Birding guides will help you find an assortment of migrating warblers as well as locally rare breeders. Many of the species found here are difficult to find in the lakefront birding hotspots.
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Pearson Metropark
Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!
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Activity Level: Easy
Dates: May 9, 12, 15, 18 Time: 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Meeting Location: Pearson Metropark 761 Lallendorf Rd. Oregon, OH 43616 Click HERE for Google Maps Fee: $20 Registration Required Limited to 25 participants NO TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED Pearson Metropark is conveniently located right off of Navarre Ave/Route 2 in Oregon, Ohio. This park has a great trail system through forest reminiscent of the original Great Black Swamp, providing nesting habitat for many species as well as stopover habitat for a large number of migrants. The beautifully manicured grounds contain tree species that tend to draw warblers, vireos, orioles, tanagers, and more! It is located farther from the the lakefront than most of the other most-visited sites in the area. In the event of north winds, it can be one of the most productive sites in the region.
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Pipe Creek Wildlife Area
Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!
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Activity Level: Easy
Dates: May 9, 11, 13, 15, 17 Time: 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Meeting Location: Pipe Creek Wildlife Area Corner of F St. and 1st St. Sandusky, OH 44870 Click HERE for Google Maps Fee: $20 Registration Required Limited to 25 participants NO TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED Pipe Creek is often considered to be one of Ohio’s top-tier spring migration sites along Lake Erie. This little peninsula of woodlands and marsh units extends into the Sandusky Bay and can attract a lot of migrant birds. The parking lot area and inital stretch of trail are dense with tall trees and understory, providing a great feeding location for many migrant warblers, tanagers, vireos, thrushes, and more! As the trail opens up to marshland, many sought-after breeding and migrant species are possible.
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Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve
Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!
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Activity Level: Easy
Dates: May 6, 13, 16 Time: 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Meeting Location: Sheldon Marsh SNP 2710 Cleveland Road Sandusky OH 44870 Click HERE for Google Maps Fee: $20 Registration Required Limited to 25 participants NO TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED Located on the shore of Lake Erie, Sheldon Marsh can be one of the most active sites for migrant songbirds. The dense canopy consists of trees that should be blooming and hosting plenty of insects for migrants to feed on. Sheldon Marsh also provides nesting habitats for many species of songbirds and marsh birds. The dense, wet, wooded areas at this site can provide opportunities for many of the more difficult or highly sought-after species in the area. There are several vantage points to see into the ponds and marshes that can host waders, marsh birds, and waterfowl as well.
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Toledo Zoo and Walbridge Park
Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!
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Activity Level: Easy
Dates: May 15 Time: 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Meeting Location: Walbridge Park 2761 Broadway St. Toledo, OH 43609 Click HERE for Google Maps Fee: $20 Registration Required Limited to 25 participants NO TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED Because of Walbridge Park’s placement, you can see both migrants in the trees of the park and water birds along the river. Bald Eagles are a frequent sight, along with ducks, gulls, herons, and more. Our target birds will be migrants such as warblers and vireos. Locally uncommon species, such as Yellow-throated Warblers, have been seen annually in this park. Depending on how migration has been, there can be an abundance of Pine Warblers. Baltimore Orioles are often found flittering around the treetops. Chipping Sparrows are frequently seen and heard as they are defending their territories. The park is home to several species of resident woodpeckers as well.
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Woodlawn Cemetery and Arboretum
Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!
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Activity Level: Easy
Dates: May 13, 16 Time: 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Meeting Location: Woodlawn Cemetery and Arboretum 1502 Central Ave. Toledo, OH 43606 Click HERE for Google Maps Fee: $20 Registration Required Limited to 25 participants NO TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED Founded in 1876, Woodlawn Cemetery captures beauty and history and provides excellent habitat for migrant songbirds! This 160-acre property is an important stopover site for many warblers, vireos, tanagers, and flycatchers that pass through the area. Additionally, the ponds are worth checking for various waterfowl and wader species. The open habitat is attractive to a variety of sparrow species as well. This site also hosts many irruptive species in the winter, including siskins and crossbills. Some species may linger into May, such as Pine Siskin, Purple Finch, and Red-breasted Nuthatch.
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Biggest Week Birding Opportunities for
Everybody and Every Body: Accessible Birding Trips
Black Swamp Bird Observatory is thrilled to offer a series of accessible field trips during the Biggest Week In American Birding. These field trips will move at the speed of the slowest birder to ensure no one is left behind. Accessible bathrooms will be available at each site. Twenty binoculars will be available for use. We will have skilled leaders for these trips who are disabled, including one who is totally blind and one who uses a manual wheelchair.
Accessible Birding Field Trip at Meadowbrook Marsh
Date: Tuesday, May 7
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Meeting Location: Meadowbrook Marsh parking lot
8577 E Bayshore Rd, Lakeside, OH 43440
For more info about Meadowbrook Marsh CLICK HERE
Cost: Free
Registration: Required
Situated on the edge of Sandusky Bay, this woodlot is a prime location for witnessing migration at its finest! This 190 acre property has various habitats including mature forest, marshes, and open water allowing for ample opportunities for both songbirds and waterbirds. This field trip is an accessible, inclusive outing that will cover a 0.9 mile paved loop with a gentle grade that has benches along the pathway. We will move at the speed of the slowest birder to ensure no one is left behind. There is an accessible bathroom onsite. Two accessible van spots are available in the parking lot. Twenty pairs of binoculars will be available for use. We will have skilled leaders for this event who are disabled. We will have skilled leaders for this event who are disabled, including one who is totally blind and one who uses a manual wheelchair.
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Meeting Location: Meadowbrook Marsh parking lot
8577 E Bayshore Rd, Lakeside, OH 43440
For more info about Meadowbrook Marsh CLICK HERE
Cost: Free
Registration: Required
Situated on the edge of Sandusky Bay, this woodlot is a prime location for witnessing migration at its finest! This 190 acre property has various habitats including mature forest, marshes, and open water allowing for ample opportunities for both songbirds and waterbirds. This field trip is an accessible, inclusive outing that will cover a 0.9 mile paved loop with a gentle grade that has benches along the pathway. We will move at the speed of the slowest birder to ensure no one is left behind. There is an accessible bathroom onsite. Two accessible van spots are available in the parking lot. Twenty pairs of binoculars will be available for use. We will have skilled leaders for this event who are disabled. We will have skilled leaders for this event who are disabled, including one who is totally blind and one who uses a manual wheelchair.
BYOB (Bring Your Own Bench)
Accessible Field Trip at Magee Marsh
Date: Wednesday, May 8
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Meeting Location: We will set up on the paved road near the Magee Marsh Boardwalk that is closed to vehicle traffic here: 41.628202, -83.190343. The address for Magee Marsh is 13229 W State Route 2, Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449. And here's a link to a Magee Marsh area map with a red star in the area where we'll set up for the BYOB Field Trip.
Cost: Free
Registration: Required
One of the best ways to enjoy birds is to sit quietly in one spot and let the birds come to you. During this BYOB Birding Accessible Field Trip at Magee Marsh, our expert guides will help point out the birds moving past and help participants identify them by sight and sound. This style of birding does not involve moving down a trail, so it’s perfect for people with mobility challenges, who want to just take it easy, or who only want to be involved for a short time. Please bring your own seating. This is a“drop-in” event; you are welcome to come and go at any time. Accessible restrooms available along with five van accessible parking spots. We will be seated on a flat, paved section of trail. This event will take place in light rain, but will be canceled in the event of heavy rain. Great for birders of all skill levels and abilities, particularly beginners! Twenty pairs of binoculars will be available for use. We will have skilled leaders for this event who are disabled, including one who is totally blind and one who uses a manual wheelchair.
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Meeting Location: We will set up on the paved road near the Magee Marsh Boardwalk that is closed to vehicle traffic here: 41.628202, -83.190343. The address for Magee Marsh is 13229 W State Route 2, Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449. And here's a link to a Magee Marsh area map with a red star in the area where we'll set up for the BYOB Field Trip.
Cost: Free
Registration: Required
One of the best ways to enjoy birds is to sit quietly in one spot and let the birds come to you. During this BYOB Birding Accessible Field Trip at Magee Marsh, our expert guides will help point out the birds moving past and help participants identify them by sight and sound. This style of birding does not involve moving down a trail, so it’s perfect for people with mobility challenges, who want to just take it easy, or who only want to be involved for a short time. Please bring your own seating. This is a“drop-in” event; you are welcome to come and go at any time. Accessible restrooms available along with five van accessible parking spots. We will be seated on a flat, paved section of trail. This event will take place in light rain, but will be canceled in the event of heavy rain. Great for birders of all skill levels and abilities, particularly beginners! Twenty pairs of binoculars will be available for use. We will have skilled leaders for this event who are disabled, including one who is totally blind and one who uses a manual wheelchair.
Accessible Birding Field Trip at Wildwood Metropark
Date: Thursday, May 9
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Meeting Location: Main parking lot in front of the Metz Visitors Center and Nature Observatory at Wildwood Preserve Metropark in Toledo, Ohio.
CLICK HERE for directions to the Center
Cost: Free
Registration: Required
Join us at Wildwood Metropark for top-notch birding experience. Wildwood Metropark is an oasis surrounded by a suburban landscape. This ecologically rich natural area hosts a diverse range of species including a large number of nesting birds. We will explore the upland forests in search of resident and migratory species! This field trip is an accessible, inclusive outing that will cover a 1.65 mile paved loop with a gentle grade that has benches along the pathway. We will move at the speed of the slowest birder to ensure no one is left behind. There are accessible bathrooms onsite. There are seven accessible parking spots, six of which are van accessible. Twenty pairs of binoculars will be available for use. We will have skilled leaders for this event who are disabled, including one who is totally blind and one who uses a manual wheelchair.
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Meeting Location: Main parking lot in front of the Metz Visitors Center and Nature Observatory at Wildwood Preserve Metropark in Toledo, Ohio.
CLICK HERE for directions to the Center
Cost: Free
Registration: Required
Join us at Wildwood Metropark for top-notch birding experience. Wildwood Metropark is an oasis surrounded by a suburban landscape. This ecologically rich natural area hosts a diverse range of species including a large number of nesting birds. We will explore the upland forests in search of resident and migratory species! This field trip is an accessible, inclusive outing that will cover a 1.65 mile paved loop with a gentle grade that has benches along the pathway. We will move at the speed of the slowest birder to ensure no one is left behind. There are accessible bathrooms onsite. There are seven accessible parking spots, six of which are van accessible. Twenty pairs of binoculars will be available for use. We will have skilled leaders for this event who are disabled, including one who is totally blind and one who uses a manual wheelchair.
The Sky Dance: Woodcocks on the Wing
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Click the image above to read the site guide for this field trip!
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Activity Level: Easy
Dates: May 9-17 Time: 8:30 - 9:30 p.m. Meeting Location: Parking Area #6 (Click HERE for Google Maps) Fee: $20 Registration Required Limited to 40 participants (split into two groups) NO TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED The American Woodcock is a widespread, common, yet difficult-to-see species in the region. At night, however, they begin to display and make themselves known. This field trip is designed to witness every stage of this display. Birds will begin by vocalizing from the ground before taking off into an aerial display that lasts about a minute at a time. American Woodcocks will carry this on many times throughout the evening, and the hope is that the group gets to experience this several times.
This trip meets in a paved parking lot at Maumee Bay State Park. The group then travels down the two-lane asphalt state park road (or along the grassy side of the road if there is any traffic) for approximately 750 feet before arriving at the location. This road is used by vehicles but is not busy, and the speed limit is 15 mph. The group will stay on the flat, mown grassy side of the road for the duration of the Woodcocks’ display. Bring your own camp chair if you would like to sit rather than stand for the next 30-60 minutes! 
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BEGINNING BIRDING FIELD TRIPS
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Activity Level: EASY
Date: May 10, 11, 17, 18 Time: 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Where: Pearson Metropark 761 Lallendorf Rd. Oregon, OH 43616 Fee: FREE TO THE PUBLIC Meet in Parking Lot #4 Click HERE for a map to the meeting location |
You've decided birding sounds interesting and you'd like to give it a try, but what do you do next? In this fun and easy workshop, we'll take you through everything you need to know to get started birding. We'll point you in the right direction to find a pair of binoculars and a field guide, basic bird identification tips, and where and how to find birds.
Binoculars and field guides will be available to borrow for this workshop.
Binoculars and field guides will be available to borrow for this workshop.
2025 Birding with the Keynotes
We're glad you're excited to bird with our keynote speakers for the 2025 festival! Once we have announced the keynote lineup for next year's festival. We will provide information here on the field trips to go birding with them!
YOUNG BIRDERS FIELD TRIP
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Activity Level: EASY
Date: May 10, 17 Time: 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Where: Magee Marsh Boardwalk East Entrance Fee: FREE to Students Click HERE for a map to the meeting location Join members of Black Swamp Bird Observatory's Ohio Young Birders Club (OYBC) for a morning of birding at the famous Magee Marsh Wildlife Area! This event provides students the opportunity to socialize and go birding with other birders their age. The OYBC is excited to host this event for ALL birders 18 and under, not just members of the club. To learn more about the OYBC, visit the Ohio Young Birders Club website.
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Daily Magee Marsh Guided Trip
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Activity Level: MODERATE: requires substantial walking
Dates: Every day of the festival Time: First trip from 8:00-10:00 a.m. Second trip from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Fee: Free with festival registration; just show your name badge to participate Meeting Location: Meet at the white Division of Wildlife tent Click here for a map showing the location of the tent 
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Black Swamp Bird Observatory has dubbed the Magee Marsh area “The Warbler Capital of the World," and with just a brief visit anytime from early to mid-May you'll discover why! Warblers "drip" from the trees, many dangling invitingly at eye level along a well-maintained boardwalk. But it can get quite crowded. So these trips were created with two goals in mind:
1) To reduce the number of people on the boardwalk.
2) To introduce birders to the other wonderful places to go birding on the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area! Groups will split up and visit either the Crane Creek Estuary Trail or the Wildlife Beach at the east end of the area. Both of these areas have hosted Kirtland's Warblers and dazzling concentrations of migrants. Every day during the event, a number of experienced guides will be leading these walks starting from the west entrance of the boardwalk.
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