Teaming research with education to promote bird conservation

BSBO Business Alliance Partners


Thank you to the
following businesses
for supporting the Observatory and helping to promote  birding in the Lake Erie Shores and Island Region!


Kaufman Field Guides
Oak Harbor, Ohio


The Garden Restaurant
Port Clinton, Ohio
 
OurGuest Inn
& Suites

Port Clinton, Ohio

Leica Sport Optics

Time & Optics LTD. Millersburg, Ohio

Great Lakes Popcorn Co
Port Clinton, Ohio


Mango Mama's
Port Clinton, Ohio


Split Winds Gallery
Port Clinton, Ohio

Jet Express
Port Clinton Ohio

Second Street Diner
Port Clinton, Ohio

Nikon Sport Optics

African Safari
Wildlife Park
Port Clinton, Ohio

Island House
 Resort Hotel
Port Clinton, Ohio

McCarthy's
Restaurant & Pub
Port Clinton, Ohio

Tropical Birding
Quito, Ecuador

PROGRAM
INFORMATION


 

Spring Migration in the Lake Erie Marsh Region
compiled from the research of
Black Swamp Bird Observatory

Migration Timetable Chart Available at the BSBO Gift Shop

Some of the largest concentrations of land birds in North America can be found along the southern coast of Lake Erie during spring migration. Because of geography and the reluctance of these birds to cross Lake Erie, they “pile in” on the few remaining forested beach ridges in large numbers and provide excellent watching opportunities. When the birds have fed and rested, they move on by flying west around the lake or island hopping across the lake to Point Pelee.

Day length is the primary driver of migration but the key to spectacular bird watching is weather. Watch for low pressure cells building up in Arkansas, good southwest winds, and a sharp increase in temperature as the warm front moves in bringing birds up the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys. Neotropical migrants come through in 3 “waves” each having two pulses timed similar each spring. This information is a general listing of when bird species will peak at Magee Marsh State Wildlife Area/Ottawa National Wildlife Area and surrounding marsh areas in northwest Ohio.

EARLY MIGRANTS
First Wave/Over Flight Species
Generally between the 23rd -28th of April

Dominant Species
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (male)
Hermit Thrush
Yellow-rumped Warbler (male)
White-throated Sparrow (male)

Subdominant Species
Nashville Warbler (male)
Western Palm Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler (male)
Song Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow


Over Flight Species
Yellow-throated Warbler
Prairie Warbler
Worm-eating Warbler
Louisiana Waterthrush
Kentucky Warbler
Hooded Warbler

~~~


MID_MIGRANTS
2nd Wave-High Species Variation
Peak around May 7th - 13th - First pulse of 2nd wave -
May 15th - 20th -  Second pulse of migrants of 2nd Wave
High volume of dominant species

Dominant Species
Blue Jay
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (female)
Swainson's Thrush
Magnolia Warbler (male)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (female)
White-throated Sparrow (female)

Subdominant Species
Veery
Tennessee Warbler
Nashville Warbler (female)
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Black-and-White Warbler (female)
Common Yellowthroat
Lincoln Sparrow

Other Species
Orioles, tanagers &
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks

~~~


LATE MIGRANTS
3rd Wave- Vireos & Flycatchers
Peak around Memorial Day - May 25th - 30th
First pulse of 3rd wave around 5 to 7 days later
Second pulse of 3rd wave of migrants

Dominant Species
Cedar Waxwing
Empidonax flycatchers
Red-eyed Vireo
Magnolia Warbler (female)
American Redstart
Indigo Bunting

Subdominant Species
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Warbling Vireo
Bay-breasted Warbler
Wilson’s Warbler
Canada Warbler

 

Last updated on Friday, June 12, 2009

OBSERVATORY
GIFT SHOP

We are open all year

SUMMER HOURS
OPEN  FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

 


2009 ©
www.bsbobird.org All rights reserved
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

Black Swamp Bird Observatory is a 501(C)3 organization dedicated
 to avian research and education to promote bird conservation.