Good morning from the Midwest Birding Symposium (MBS)

The iconic Lakeside gazebo looks out onto Lake Erie.

Writing from the Coffee and Cream cafe in Lakeside, Ohio. Weather is splendid, there’s good energy in the air, and many happy people walking around anticipating opening ceremonies that occur in about two hours. 

I spent the majority of the first day at MBS birder-watching. Migrant flocks of old friends mixed with others I’d only seen in books and magazines, and a few “unknowns” peppered the mix. It’s been especially nice to see all these Facebook and Twitter friends. 

Major shout-out to the organizers of the event, all the tireless volunteers who slaved away for months and months attending to every detail. Everything looks splendid from the hats and name tags to the signage to the meeting materials. I haven’t birded much yet, but that’s coming soon.

Now, excuse me while I have some coffee to slurp and some birds to chase.