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LOOK FOR THE GOLDEN CAPS!
In addition to the walks listed below, our wonderful guides will be on and near the Magee Marsh boardwalk each day throughout the festival. Look for the folks in the golden caps with the word GUIDE on the back. These guides are happy to help visitors find, identify, and appreciate the wonderful birds that grace us with their presence on their migration journeys!
MAGEE MARSH GUIDED WALKS
Activity Level: MODERATE: requires substantial walking
Dates: Daily, from May 8 to May 17
Time: First walk from 8-10 AM
Second walk from 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
Fee: Included 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
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 walks 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.
Activity Level: MODERATE: requires substantial walking
Dates: Daily, from May 8 to May 17
Time: First walk from 8-10 AM
Second walk from 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
Fee: Included 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
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 walks 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.
PEENT!
SKYDANCE: WOODCOCKS ON THE WING
Activity Level: EASY
Date: Daily, from May 8 to May 16
Time: 8:30-9:30 PM
Where: Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO)
Meeting Location: BSBO Parking Lot
Fee: $15
Registration required
Limit: 25 Participants per trip
BSBO lies slap bang in the middle of a breeding territory for the bizarre and fascinating American Woodcock. These walks will take you to see their incredible courtship rituals. We’ll meet at BSBO and then make the short walk to the trail. We'll wait quietly to listen for their strange PEENT calls and the sound of the male's whirring wings as he takes to the skies in a ritual known as The Sky Dance. These walks are great for all ages - but we must be able to be still and keep quiet in order to have the best experience and not disturb the birds!
Activity Level: EASY
Date: Daily, from May 8 to May 16
Time: 8:30-9:30 PM
Where: Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO)
Meeting Location: BSBO Parking Lot
Fee: $15
Registration required
Limit: 25 Participants per trip
BSBO lies slap bang in the middle of a breeding territory for the bizarre and fascinating American Woodcock. These walks will take you to see their incredible courtship rituals. We’ll meet at BSBO and then make the short walk to the trail. We'll wait quietly to listen for their strange PEENT calls and the sound of the male's whirring wings as he takes to the skies in a ritual known as The Sky Dance. These walks are great for all ages - but we must be able to be still and keep quiet in order to have the best experience and not disturb the birds!
SKYDANCE: WOODCOCKS ON THE WING
Activity Level: EASY
Date: Daily, from May 8 to May 16
Time: 8:30-9:30 PM
Where: Maumee Bay State Park
Meeting Location: Parking Area #6 (See map to the right.)
Fee: $15
Registration required
Limit: 25 Participants per trip
Maumee Bay State Park hosts a healthy population of breeding American Woodcocks. We’ll meet at Parking Lot 6 (see map, right) and then make the short walk to the breeding grounds. Once there, we'll wait quietly to listen for their strange PEENT calls and the sound of the male's whirring wings as he takes to the skies in a ritual known as The Sky Dance.These walks are great for all ages - but we must be able to be still and keep quiet in order to have the best experience and not disturb the birds! Click HERE for a printable pdf of the map.
Activity Level: EASY
Date: Daily, from May 8 to May 16
Time: 8:30-9:30 PM
Where: Maumee Bay State Park
Meeting Location: Parking Area #6 (See map to the right.)
Fee: $15
Registration required
Limit: 25 Participants per trip
Maumee Bay State Park hosts a healthy population of breeding American Woodcocks. We’ll meet at Parking Lot 6 (see map, right) and then make the short walk to the breeding grounds. Once there, we'll wait quietly to listen for their strange PEENT calls and the sound of the male's whirring wings as he takes to the skies in a ritual known as The Sky Dance.These walks are great for all ages - but we must be able to be still and keep quiet in order to have the best experience and not disturb the birds! Click HERE for a printable pdf of the map.
YOUNG BIRDER WALK
Sponsored by the Ohio Young Birders Club (OYBC)
Date: Saturday, May 9, and Saturday, May 16
Time: 9 AM-12 PM
Location: Meet at the east end of the Magee Marsh Parking Lot
Fee: PUBLIC
You do not need to be a member of the Ohio Young Birders Club to attend, but we do ask that this walk is students only. Parents who attend will be led on a separate guided walk. Please bring your lunch.
Each year, the OYBC offers a young birders walk at Magee and it's always a blast! Join young birders from all over the state and the country and meet some really cool field trip leaders, too! No need to be a member, and young birders of all ages are welcome!
On Saturday, May 9, Holly Merker from Crossley ID Boot Camp will be joining the walk. This speaker from Biggest Week will be able to answer questions and bird with the young birders!
Sponsored by the Ohio Young Birders Club (OYBC)
Date: Saturday, May 9, and Saturday, May 16
Time: 9 AM-12 PM
Location: Meet at the east end of the Magee Marsh Parking Lot
Fee: PUBLIC
You do not need to be a member of the Ohio Young Birders Club to attend, but we do ask that this walk is students only. Parents who attend will be led on a separate guided walk. Please bring your lunch.
Each year, the OYBC offers a young birders walk at Magee and it's always a blast! Join young birders from all over the state and the country and meet some really cool field trip leaders, too! No need to be a member, and young birders of all ages are welcome!
On Saturday, May 9, Holly Merker from Crossley ID Boot Camp will be joining the walk. This speaker from Biggest Week will be able to answer questions and bird with the young birders!
FAMILY BIRD WALK
Activity Level: EASY
Date: Sunday, May 10, and Sunday, May 17
Time: 10 AM-12 PM
Where: Pearson Metropark
761 Lallendorf Rd.
Oregon, OH 43616
Fee: PUBLIC
Meet in Parking Lot #4
Click HERE for a map to the meeting location
Bring the whole family (all ages welcome!) for this enjoyable family-paced walk in one of the area's great parks! Pearson offers wonderful trails through rich forest, and a window on wildlife where we can enjoy watching birds at the feeders and the waterfall -- so we'll have fun even if the weather isn't perfect. We'll take our time watching for birds and any other interesting things we notice in nature.
Binoculars and field guides will be available to borrow for this workshop.
Activity Level: EASY
Date: Sunday, May 10, and Sunday, May 17
Time: 10 AM-12 PM
Where: Pearson Metropark
761 Lallendorf Rd.
Oregon, OH 43616
Fee: PUBLIC
Meet in Parking Lot #4
Click HERE for a map to the meeting location
Bring the whole family (all ages welcome!) for this enjoyable family-paced walk in one of the area's great parks! Pearson offers wonderful trails through rich forest, and a window on wildlife where we can enjoy watching birds at the feeders and the waterfall -- so we'll have fun even if the weather isn't perfect. We'll take our time watching for birds and any other interesting things we notice in nature.
Binoculars and field guides will be available to borrow for this workshop.
BEGINNING BIRDING WALKS
Activity Level: EASY
Date: Saturday, May 9, and Saturday, May 16
Time: 10 AM -12 PM
Where: Pearson Metropark
761 Lallendorf Rd.
Oregon, OH 43616
Fee: 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 walk you through everything you need to know to get started birdwatching. 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.
Activity Level: EASY
Date: Saturday, May 9, and Saturday, May 16
Time: 10 AM -12 PM
Where: Pearson Metropark
761 Lallendorf Rd.
Oregon, OH 43616
Fee: 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 walk you through everything you need to know to get started birdwatching. 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.
AN EVENING AT HOWARD MARSH METROPARK
Sponsored by Kowa
Activity Level: EASY
Date: Monday, May 11
Time: 5:30-8:30 PM
Meeting Location: Parking area west of the bathroom. Look for the "Meet the Leader" sign.
401-621 S. Howard Rd.
Curtice, OH 43412
Fee: $15
Registration required
Limited to 25 people
NO TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED
Click HERE for a map of the meeting location
Visit Howard Marsh at a special time of day. Witness the changing of the guard as diurnal land birds are heading to roost for the night and nocturnal birds are starting their “day”. View herons and egrets over head as the sun sets. Listen for rails to sound off announcing their presence and songbirds calling as they start their nights journey north. Howard Marsh has become an instant hotspot for birders and birds since the gates were opened. On this trip you may also find migrant shorebirds, bitterns, nesting Osprey, Horned Larks, Sandhill Cranes and a lingering duck or two. Common, Forster's, and if we're lucky, Black Terns may be seen along with Bonaparte’s Gulls.
Sponsored by Kowa
Activity Level: EASY
Date: Monday, May 11
Time: 5:30-8:30 PM
Meeting Location: Parking area west of the bathroom. Look for the "Meet the Leader" sign.
401-621 S. Howard Rd.
Curtice, OH 43412
Fee: $15
Registration required
Limited to 25 people
NO TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED
Click HERE for a map of the meeting location
Visit Howard Marsh at a special time of day. Witness the changing of the guard as diurnal land birds are heading to roost for the night and nocturnal birds are starting their “day”. View herons and egrets over head as the sun sets. Listen for rails to sound off announcing their presence and songbirds calling as they start their nights journey north. Howard Marsh has become an instant hotspot for birders and birds since the gates were opened. On this trip you may also find migrant shorebirds, bitterns, nesting Osprey, Horned Larks, Sandhill Cranes and a lingering duck or two. Common, Forster's, and if we're lucky, Black Terns may be seen along with Bonaparte’s Gulls.
NIGHT HIKE AT PEARSON METROPARK
Date: Monday, May 11
Time: 8:30-10 PM
Location: Pearson Metropark
Fee: $15
Limited to 20 participants
Registration Required: Yes
Click HERE for a map of the meeting location
Come explore Pearson Metropark at night! This remnant stand of Great Black Swamp often hosts Eastern Screech-Owl and Great Horned, and has even been known to invite the occasional Barred Owl. Listen to the music of night insects and the soft sounds of the winds flowing through the forest. Maybe we’ll hear an owl or two, or even catch the emphatic chants of a migrating whip-poor-will. Experience this amazing park at a time when few get to do so.
NOTE: Special permitting is required for these Night Hikes. The general public is not allowed to access these properties after dark, Parks close at sunset
Date: Monday, May 11
Time: 8:30-10 PM
Location: Pearson Metropark
Fee: $15
Limited to 20 participants
Registration Required: Yes
Click HERE for a map of the meeting location
Come explore Pearson Metropark at night! This remnant stand of Great Black Swamp often hosts Eastern Screech-Owl and Great Horned, and has even been known to invite the occasional Barred Owl. Listen to the music of night insects and the soft sounds of the winds flowing through the forest. Maybe we’ll hear an owl or two, or even catch the emphatic chants of a migrating whip-poor-will. Experience this amazing park at a time when few get to do so.
NOTE: Special permitting is required for these Night Hikes. The general public is not allowed to access these properties after dark, Parks close at sunset
NIGHT HIKE AT MALLARD CLUB MARSH WILDLIFE AREA
Date: Thursday, May 14
Time: 8:30-10 PM
Location: Mallard Club Marsh Wildlife Area
Fee: $15
Limited to 20 participants
Registration Required: Yes
Visit Mallard Club Marsh at night! Take in the flight of herons and egrets at dusk as they head to roost. Listen for the resonating notes of American Bittern and the whinnies, clicks, and murmurs of Sora and Virginia Rail. Be dazzled by passing migrants as they call from the invisibility of the night sky. Watch for meteors streaking across the sky with the virtual 360° view from the banks of the marsh.
NOTE: Special permitting is required for these Night Hikes. The general public is not allowed to access these properties after dark, Parks close at sunset
Date: Thursday, May 14
Time: 8:30-10 PM
Location: Mallard Club Marsh Wildlife Area
Fee: $15
Limited to 20 participants
Registration Required: Yes
Visit Mallard Club Marsh at night! Take in the flight of herons and egrets at dusk as they head to roost. Listen for the resonating notes of American Bittern and the whinnies, clicks, and murmurs of Sora and Virginia Rail. Be dazzled by passing migrants as they call from the invisibility of the night sky. Watch for meteors streaking across the sky with the virtual 360° view from the banks of the marsh.
NOTE: Special permitting is required for these Night Hikes. The general public is not allowed to access these properties after dark, Parks close at sunset
SPARK BIRDING! AT PEARSON METROPARK
Sponsored by the American Birding Association
Date: Friday, May 15
Time: 8:30-11 AM
Location: Pearson Metropark
Fee: FREE
Limited to 20 participants
Registration Required: Yes
Click HERE for a map of the meeting location
Join American Birding Association President, Jeff Gordon, First Lady, Liz Gordon, and ABA staff in search of migrants at Pearson Metropark. This is a beginner friendly walk which will allow you converse with other birders about your spark birds and what drives you to seek opportunities to look at birds.
This trip will traverse multiple habitats in a park that is a remnant patch of the formerly vast Great Black Swamp. About three miles of trails bisect the woodlands, and birding can be quite good during spring and fall migration. Typical forest-breeding species can be found in summer, including both cuckoos. A well-stocked feeding station at the nature center attracts lots of birds in the winter and is always worth a look.
To the north of this forest lies Pearson North, a more recent addition to the park that provides substantial wetland acreage. Two entrances to this portion of the park showcase open marsh and cattail stands where Marsh Wren, Green Heron, and Sora can be heard or seen; and path edges and shrub-scrub often host Savannah and Vesper Sparrows.
Sponsored by the American Birding Association
Date: Friday, May 15
Time: 8:30-11 AM
Location: Pearson Metropark
Fee: FREE
Limited to 20 participants
Registration Required: Yes
Click HERE for a map of the meeting location
Join American Birding Association President, Jeff Gordon, First Lady, Liz Gordon, and ABA staff in search of migrants at Pearson Metropark. This is a beginner friendly walk which will allow you converse with other birders about your spark birds and what drives you to seek opportunities to look at birds.
This trip will traverse multiple habitats in a park that is a remnant patch of the formerly vast Great Black Swamp. About three miles of trails bisect the woodlands, and birding can be quite good during spring and fall migration. Typical forest-breeding species can be found in summer, including both cuckoos. A well-stocked feeding station at the nature center attracts lots of birds in the winter and is always worth a look.
To the north of this forest lies Pearson North, a more recent addition to the park that provides substantial wetland acreage. Two entrances to this portion of the park showcase open marsh and cattail stands where Marsh Wren, Green Heron, and Sora can be heard or seen; and path edges and shrub-scrub often host Savannah and Vesper Sparrows.
NIGHT HIKE AT HOWARD MARSH METROPARK
Date: Friday, May 15
Time: 8:30-10 PM
Location: Howard Metropark
Fee: $15
Limited to 20 participants
Registration Required: Yes
Click HERE for a map of the meeting location
You’ve experienced the splendor of Howard Marsh Metropark during the day; but join us and experience this now famous hotspot at night! Take in the stars and marvel at the Milky Way. Listen for the gulps of bittern, night-heron croaks, and raucous squawks of gallinule and coots. Maybe even pick out birds' night flight calls, far overhead, as they wander toward their northern breeding grounds. What all will we find…well honestly, since the park is closed at night, we don’t really know. Come along and find out with us!
NOTE: Special permitting is required for these Night Hikes. The general public is not allowed to access these properties after dark, Parks close at sunset.
Date: Friday, May 15
Time: 8:30-10 PM
Location: Howard Metropark
Fee: $15
Limited to 20 participants
Registration Required: Yes
Click HERE for a map of the meeting location
You’ve experienced the splendor of Howard Marsh Metropark during the day; but join us and experience this now famous hotspot at night! Take in the stars and marvel at the Milky Way. Listen for the gulps of bittern, night-heron croaks, and raucous squawks of gallinule and coots. Maybe even pick out birds' night flight calls, far overhead, as they wander toward their northern breeding grounds. What all will we find…well honestly, since the park is closed at night, we don’t really know. Come along and find out with us!
NOTE: Special permitting is required for these Night Hikes. The general public is not allowed to access these properties after dark, Parks close at sunset.
SPARK BIRDING! AT PEARSON METROPARK
Sponsored by the American Birding Association
Date: Saturday, May 16
Time: 8:30-11 AM
Location: Howard Marsh Metropark
Fee: FREE
Limited to 20 participants
Registration Required: Yes
Click HERE for a map of the meeting location
Join American Birding Association President, Jeff Gordon, First Lady, Liz Gordon, and ABA staff in search of migrants at Howard Marsh Metropark. This is a beginner friendly walk which will allow you converse with other birders about your spark birds and what drives you to seek opportunities to look at birds.
Howard Marsh is a shining start hotspot in Toledo’s spectacular Metropark system. The multi-pool complex has dikes and a boardwalk which allow you to access virtually every part of the park. Any new marsh system along the Lake Erie shores is a boon to birders, but Howard Marsh has 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, Forster's, and if we're lucky, Black Terns may be seen along with Bonaparte’s Gulls.
Sponsored by the American Birding Association
Date: Saturday, May 16
Time: 8:30-11 AM
Location: Howard Marsh Metropark
Fee: FREE
Limited to 20 participants
Registration Required: Yes
Click HERE for a map of the meeting location
Join American Birding Association President, Jeff Gordon, First Lady, Liz Gordon, and ABA staff in search of migrants at Howard Marsh Metropark. This is a beginner friendly walk which will allow you converse with other birders about your spark birds and what drives you to seek opportunities to look at birds.
Howard Marsh is a shining start hotspot in Toledo’s spectacular Metropark system. The multi-pool complex has dikes and a boardwalk which allow you to access virtually every part of the park. Any new marsh system along the Lake Erie shores is a boon to birders, but Howard Marsh has 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, Forster's, and if we're lucky, Black Terns may be seen along with Bonaparte’s Gulls.