Teaming research with education to promote bird conservation

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

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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

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.