The biggest birding event in Ohio

I just came across this site for the Biggest Week in American Birding in Ohio. Has anyone ever gone to the parks for this in May? It seems like a great time to go for some great bird captures. We are thinking of heading out as it's only about 3 hours from us. Maybe spend the weekend and head back home. If anyone has gone to Magee Marsh or the others during this time I'd love your opinion!!

Tammy - I have been to Magee Marsh and Kelleys Island a couple of times. I have not been to this particular event. It should be a fun event, looks like it is well done.

One thing to keep in mind about these types of events ... They are geared towards "birders" and not bird photographers. If you understand that all will be fine. Birders enjoy seeing a bird from 500 yards thru a spotting scope, while a photographer wants to get a picture.

Thanks for the response Bob. We have been to the islands and magee marsh other times of the year but never during this migration either. We're pretty excited, this will be something new for us. Good point about about the birders, I'm sure it's going to be very packed. Hopefully we can get out early enough in the morning so that we can miss some of that. We are headed back to the Smokys the following month too so lots of photos upcoming soon! Can't Wait!!!

Magee is great when the warblers are piled up, refueling and waiting for a favorable wind to help them across Lake Erie. There are so many birds (and photographers) when conditions are right. Ottawa NWR is next door, also very nice. This may be the first year for this event. I have been to IMBD (International Migratory Bird Day) there the last couple of years. This may be an expansion of that. Also May 8 is Lakeside Daisy Day - only place in U.S. where the Lakeside Daisy (actually an aster) grows naturally.

Thanks for the additional info! It sounds like this should give us a great opportunity for some good bird pics! Thanks for the info about the Lakeside Daisy Day too, where does this take place?

I too head up to Magee, Ottawa and Metzger marshes In late April early May for the migration, You certainly will not be disappointed as its the event I most look forward to all year. Some of the best areas are rite near the parking lots, birds are in the tens of thousands as they make there way through.

Its a spectacle like no other I have ever witnessed... enjoy yourself as Im certain you will...

Dan

Thanks for the info Dan!! For those of you from the area is there a good hotel you recommend? Right now we are booked at the Comfort Inn in Port Clinton but the reviews are not all that great.

Thanks!

Lakeside Daisy Day is in Marblehead, Ohio. If you won't be there on May 8th, the flowers will be in bloom before and after (how long depends on weather, of course). If you come in on Rte. 163, after passing the ferry to Kelly's Island, there will be a sign pointing up a small street which leads to the state nature preserve. It is about 19 acres, but only 1 or 2 acres are open to the public.
http://www.dnr.state.o​h.us …sy/tabid/903/De​fault.aspx has directions and more info. Not necessarily the greatest flower in the world, but nice, certainly rare, and if you are in the area at that time, certainly something to consider. Also nearby is the Marblehead Lighthouse (open on Saturday, the 8th, I think). Anyway, nice views of the lake in the Marblehead area.
As far as there being more birders than photographers at Magee during the warbler migration, I have never seen so many Better Beamers and 300+mm telephoto lenses in any other location. The birds are often very close to the parking lot (they put orange halves, etc. in some of the trees). It is a marvelous time for anyone interested in the smaller birds. For larger birds, Ottawa NWR has at least one eagle nest, numerous great blue heron, egrets (especially at that time of year), waterfowl (some will have left by then), etc. Don't miss it!!
Sorry this has gotten to be such a long post.

No worries on the long post, I greatly appreciate all the info! It's just what I'm looking for. We are so excited about this trip. I can't even imagine getting to see all those birds in one place. I think it will be amazing! Is it better to try and get out there early in the morning to avoid some of the crowds? Are the birds still pretty active there early? We will only be there two days so we want to take full advantage and get as many great shots as we can!
Thanks again!

The birds, particularly the warblers, are eating to prepare for crossing Erie, so their busy pretty much all day. In the past, they only had the 1 day event (IMBD), so there was no avoiding crowds. I don't know how it will be with the longer event, but I wouldn't worry much about it (except for [a few] inconsiderate people getting in the way of your photos on occassion). Most of the people are really good. There is a boardwalk around the birding area at Magee's primary warbler area, altho as I said, you can see many warblers without going on the boardwalk - I do recommend the boardwalk however.
The Black Swamp Bird Observatory is at the entrance to Magee - sales shop mainly with small feeding area. There is a Bird Center with a tower (not good spot for warblers, but inside is a display of many [Stuffed] birds) - continue on the road to the end - most of the warbler activity is near the far end of the parking area. There should be many waterfowl on either side of the road on the way to the parking area.
Ottawa NWR is about 9000 acres (compared to about 2000 for Magee). The auto route will be open on the 8th and 15th. The auto route is probably the best way to see Ottawa on limited time. If conditions have been dry, it can be very dusty (stone dust), and crowded, but there are places to pull over. Lots of birds, especially waterfowl - 2 years ago I saw more egrets there than I have ever seen anywhere. Also stop at the visitor center. You used to be able to see the eagle nest from there, but a great horned owl took it over. The eagles built a new nest, but I don't believe it's very visible from the center.
I am sure you will enjoy your visit. Be sure to post pictures afterward!