Teaming research with education to promote conservation

13th Annual Big Sit Report
Magee Marsh Bird Trail
May 12, 2007

Conducted by Tom Bartlett
2007 Species List & Report

Hard to believe this is the 13^th Annual Big Sit for me.  Time sure flies when you are having fun and Big Sits are fun.  This year I was joined by my wife, Paula and many others on and off during the day.  One individual didn’t even realize what the day had in store for him.  The extra eyes always help the total.  Marty Miller of Baltimore, Maryland drove all the way to Magee Marsh Friday night to see what all the activity at the marsh was about.  He had never been here and just wanted to see it for himself.  He arrived at the western end of the bird trail at about 4:45 AM.  Brian Barchus and I had all ready setup for the day.  He joined us and left only for about an hour to see what the boardwalk was like. 

The day started somewhat slowly, quickly became somewhat active, and then died.  We didn’t add a new species from 1:15 PM on.  We ended the day with 72 species which is well below the 12 year average of 92 species.  The new average is 90.5 species.  Also there weren’t as many species observed by others in my area which I missed.  Weather wise it was an ok day with winds coming out of the north but no rain.  This wind kept the birds on the south side of the woods.  Even with the wind we had 14 species of warbler from the circle.  This year I spent over 9 hours sitting on the ladder.  The 72nd species of the day was at 1:15 PM (a singing Black-throated Blue Warbler).  The breakdown was:

As you can see, it slows down as you go through the day.  But there were highlights during the day, as old and new friends stopped to visit.  It was enjoyable to see old and new birders being excited like days of old.  I was even interview by Lillian Stokes.  The use of a step-ladder again has greatly helped but I need a better cushion next year.

One new species was added to the Big Sit list this year.  That was a Cooper’s Hawk seen just before 10:00 AM.  That brings the Big Sit total to 179 species over the 13 years.  Two species, Canada Goose and Ruby-crowned Kinglet were missed for the first time in 13 years.  Several other regulars were also missed.  Check out the BSBO webpage for complete breakdown of all the Big Sits over the 13 years.  This will also help you with your prediction for next years total sit count.  Also, I did make it the full 12 hours without a restroom break.  And this was only because money had been pledged for the total number of hours.  This was very hard this year but I have now done it 11 out of 13 years.  Don’t expect it next year, I am getting older and they have moved the port-a-potties closer. ~~Tom Bartlett

Tom and BSBO thank everyone who supported the
2007 Big Sit with their pledges!

Prior Big Sit Tallies (PDF)

Last updated on Monday, November 03, 2008

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Black Swamp Bird Observatory
13551 W. State Route 2
Oak Harbor,, Ohio 43449
419 898-4070
We are located at the entrance to Magee Marsh Wildlife Area