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Every
year millions upon millions of migratory
songbirds utilize the critical stopover
habitat of the Lake Erie Marsh Region on
the way to their southern wintering
grounds. BSBO has banded more than
450,000 birds in its history, and,
through banding efforts like these we
have learned some incredible details
about their journeys.
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BSBO Pen
= 9.7 grams |
 Ruby-throated
Hummingbird
= 3.2 grams
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That's right! The Ruby-throated
Hummingbird weighs less than half of
that of this ball point pen, but, during
migration this tiny bird flies
18
hours
nonstop across the Gulf
of Mexico!
Through BSBO's education efforts we
share the stories of these amazing feats
of migration with local school children
and the public. Through these
experiences we inspire strong support
for conserving this critical habitat.
When I grow up I want to help save the
marshes and the birds."
.Quote from a Woodmore Elementary
School second grader
Our efforts to empower youth through
education have led us to some ground
breaking ideas. This year we encouraged
student members of the Observatory's,
Ohio Young Birders Club, to
participate in presenting our songbird
banding and migration programs for
public audiences, and the results took
everyone by surprise. Their ability to
connect with the audience helped drive
home the overwhelming importance of
protecting the stopover habitat that is
critical to birds during migration.
"Learning about the amazing things these
tiny birds accomplish during migration
was one thing. Learning it from a 12
year old was totally over the top. You
people do amazing work. Truly among the
most inspiring 90 minutes of our lives!"
.....Quote
from a couple from Oberlin, Ohio
Each fall newly fledged Blackpoll
Warblers leave their nesting grounds in
Northern Alaska on a 7000 mile journey
to Brazil where they will spend the
winter. Driven by instinct and acting
on faith that the habitats they need
along the way will be there to ensure
their success, these masters of the sky
epitomize the magic and wonder of
migration that captivates us all.
Embarking upon a journey that we can
barely conjure up in our imagination,
they migrate alone, traveling at night,
and navigate by the stars. Many
thousands of these Blackpolls visit the
Lake Erie Marshes to rest and refuel
before continuing east to the coast.
Leaping off from the coast and heading
south over the Atlantic Ocean, they will
be on the wing for three nights and four
days covering thousands of miles over
open water before reaching the relative
safety of land.
Just as Blackpoll Warblers rely on
critical stopover habitat to ensure
their success during migration, the
Observatory relies on caring individuals
like you to carry out our mission.
Please help us continue to unravel the
mysteries of migration through our
songbird banding research. Help us
continue to educate, empower, and
inspire people through our incredible
education programs.
Help us Help the Birds.
Support our Fall Migration Fund with
your tax deductible
contribution TODAY!
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Kim Kaufman |
Jan Auburn |
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Acting Executive Director |
Chair, Board of Directors |
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