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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
Tuesday, August 12, 2008 |
