FREQUENTLY ASKED BIGGEST WEEK QUESTIONS FOR BEGINNING BIRDERS
With special thanks to Black Swamp Bird Observatory Board Member, Karen Fraker, for her help in generating the content for this page.
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So, you’ve decided that you’re interested in The Biggest Week and this whole “birding” thing. But where do you go from there? Beginning anything new can be a bit overwhelming, especially when it’s participating in the largest birding festival in the United States! Black Swamp Bird Observatory wants to assure you that it’s not as intimidating as it seems. With generous support from a first-time birder, we’ve generated a list of frequently asked questions to aid you in your upcoming birding experience.
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I have never been birding at The Biggest Week. Where do I begin?
Right here! The website is the perfect place to learn more about the festival, registration, presentations, trips, and everything else Biggest Week related. You can also call us at Black Swamp Bird Observatory, 419-898-4070, for more information.
Do I need to register to participate?
While visiting and birding in many of the areas visited during The Biggest Week are free and open to the public, many of the presentations, workshops, and trips offered during the festival do require registration. You can also participate by registering to volunteer with us.
When does registration open?
Each year, our goal is to open online volunteer registration and premier registration (an early-bird option) in early February, with general registration opening a few days after these first registration types and remaining open until the end of the festival.
Is there a trip for beginners and first-time attendees?
There are a number of FREE beginning birder trips offered during the festival. Click HERE for more details.
What should I wear?
Well, there’s no such thing as a “birder uniform,” so just be comfortable. The weather in early May can fluctuate from hot and sunny, to cold and rainy (and sometime even snowy!), all in the same day. Wearing layers is a good way to ensure your comfort no matter what Ohio weather throws at us. You’ll want a comfortable pair of hiking or sturdy shoes for long hours of birding!
Do I need binoculars?
While most birds on the boardwalk will be at eye-level (sometimes a few inches from your face!), binoculars are extremely helpful for seeing fine details and birds far away.
Can I bring my phone?
We don’t expect anyone to leave their cell phone behind. However, we ask (for the enjoyment of others) to turn cell phones off or to vibrate.
What can I expect to learn?
Identification tips, field guide and binocular use, photography, birding by ear, conservation actions, art skills... Everything you could hope for and more!
Should I tip the guide?
Tipping is at the discretion of the participant and is not required.
Do trips go on the famous Magee Marsh boardwalk?
We encourage everyone to visit this famous site, and we have expert guides positioned along the boardwalk to help beginners, but The Biggest Week does not lead trips on the Magee boardwalk itself. Some trips begin at the boardwalk (as it is an easy meeting spot), but to avoid adding to this already highly-trafficked area, trips venture to other great birding areas near the boardwalk.
Can families participate and is there an age requirement?
Absolutely! We encourage every level and age of birding, and children are more than welcome to participate. However, to participate in paid activities, family members must be registered. We offer a discounted registration rate for kids 9 - 18, and free registration for kids 8 and under. There are a number of free activities available to families, and there are numerous other fun places to visit throughout the region for non-birders.
What are the “rules” for birdwatching?
There are no concrete rules other than state and federal laws that protect habitat and wildlife. Featured in our Biggest Week Visitors’ Guide, the American Birding Association has developed a Code of Ethics for birding, aimed at preserving a positive birding experience for both people and wildlife.
Are trips “rain or shine?”
It depends. Early May weather can fluctuate hour by hour, and rain could last for 30 minutes or all day. Inclement weather such as thunderstorms and tornadoes will prompt a trip cancellation. But a light drizzle shouldn’t postpone a trip.
How early do I need to arrive before the start of the trip?
We ask participants to arrive and check in with their trip leader or room host at least 15 minutes before the start time of an activity to insure a prompt schedule. If you’re going out birding on your own, then feel free to go anytime during daylight hours - and even after dark if you’re looking for nighttime birds like owls!
Should I bring bottled water?
We have a no single-use plastic bottle policy at The Biggest Week, however, many locations visited during the festival have water and other public amenities. But, some don’t. Especially on long trips and hot days, we advise participants to bring at least two (reusable!) bottles of water.
How large are the group trips?
To ensure a quality experience for our participants, we limit our trip sizes to 10 participants per van, plus one leader and one driver. Other trips and workshops are of similar size.
Right here! The website is the perfect place to learn more about the festival, registration, presentations, trips, and everything else Biggest Week related. You can also call us at Black Swamp Bird Observatory, 419-898-4070, for more information.
Do I need to register to participate?
While visiting and birding in many of the areas visited during The Biggest Week are free and open to the public, many of the presentations, workshops, and trips offered during the festival do require registration. You can also participate by registering to volunteer with us.
When does registration open?
Each year, our goal is to open online volunteer registration and premier registration (an early-bird option) in early February, with general registration opening a few days after these first registration types and remaining open until the end of the festival.
Is there a trip for beginners and first-time attendees?
There are a number of FREE beginning birder trips offered during the festival. Click HERE for more details.
What should I wear?
Well, there’s no such thing as a “birder uniform,” so just be comfortable. The weather in early May can fluctuate from hot and sunny, to cold and rainy (and sometime even snowy!), all in the same day. Wearing layers is a good way to ensure your comfort no matter what Ohio weather throws at us. You’ll want a comfortable pair of hiking or sturdy shoes for long hours of birding!
Do I need binoculars?
While most birds on the boardwalk will be at eye-level (sometimes a few inches from your face!), binoculars are extremely helpful for seeing fine details and birds far away.
Can I bring my phone?
We don’t expect anyone to leave their cell phone behind. However, we ask (for the enjoyment of others) to turn cell phones off or to vibrate.
What can I expect to learn?
Identification tips, field guide and binocular use, photography, birding by ear, conservation actions, art skills... Everything you could hope for and more!
Should I tip the guide?
Tipping is at the discretion of the participant and is not required.
Do trips go on the famous Magee Marsh boardwalk?
We encourage everyone to visit this famous site, and we have expert guides positioned along the boardwalk to help beginners, but The Biggest Week does not lead trips on the Magee boardwalk itself. Some trips begin at the boardwalk (as it is an easy meeting spot), but to avoid adding to this already highly-trafficked area, trips venture to other great birding areas near the boardwalk.
Can families participate and is there an age requirement?
Absolutely! We encourage every level and age of birding, and children are more than welcome to participate. However, to participate in paid activities, family members must be registered. We offer a discounted registration rate for kids 9 - 18, and free registration for kids 8 and under. There are a number of free activities available to families, and there are numerous other fun places to visit throughout the region for non-birders.
What are the “rules” for birdwatching?
There are no concrete rules other than state and federal laws that protect habitat and wildlife. Featured in our Biggest Week Visitors’ Guide, the American Birding Association has developed a Code of Ethics for birding, aimed at preserving a positive birding experience for both people and wildlife.
Are trips “rain or shine?”
It depends. Early May weather can fluctuate hour by hour, and rain could last for 30 minutes or all day. Inclement weather such as thunderstorms and tornadoes will prompt a trip cancellation. But a light drizzle shouldn’t postpone a trip.
How early do I need to arrive before the start of the trip?
We ask participants to arrive and check in with their trip leader or room host at least 15 minutes before the start time of an activity to insure a prompt schedule. If you’re going out birding on your own, then feel free to go anytime during daylight hours - and even after dark if you’re looking for nighttime birds like owls!
Should I bring bottled water?
We have a no single-use plastic bottle policy at The Biggest Week, however, many locations visited during the festival have water and other public amenities. But, some don’t. Especially on long trips and hot days, we advise participants to bring at least two (reusable!) bottles of water.
How large are the group trips?
To ensure a quality experience for our participants, we limit our trip sizes to 10 participants per van, plus one leader and one driver. Other trips and workshops are of similar size.