Are You Joining The Biggest Week in American Birding?

The Biggest Week in American Birding takes place during the peak of spring migration from May 6 – 16, 2010 at Magee Marsh/Crane Creek/Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. These lakeside locations in northwest Ohio are arguably one of the most productive warbler fallout zones in the world.

On May 7th I’ll venture to NW ohio, a place I know and love, to spend International Migratory Bird Day along Lake Erie’s southwestern shore. What would entice me to travel 350 miles away from home during the height of warbler migration? Well, the chance of seeing warblers of every shape and color at close range, practically dripping off the trees along the boardwalks. It’s the chance to see birds like these:

Kirtland's Warbler observed in NW Ohio last September at the Midwest Birding Symposium. (Click image for more detail).

Mourning Warbler, observed at banding station at Braddock Bay, southern shore of Lake Ontario

Palm Warbler, observed at Viera Wetlands, Florida

Magnolia Warbler, observed at Braddock Bay banding station

Lawrence's Warbler, a hybrid of Golden- and Blue-winged Warblers. See my story on this here: http://laurakammermeier.com/2009/05/tricky-rare-hybrid/

Wilson's Warbler, observed at Braddock Bay (click to link back to original post)

Artist Jen Brumfield recently created a nice depiction of the warbler fallout experience for the cover of Birding Magazine (published by the American Birding Association). Check out the issue here.

Are you convinced yet?

This 11-day “birding festival week” will be  packed with workshops, warblers, free guided activities, warblers, half day trips, keynote speakers, workshops, and more.  Peruse the schedule for more… The event is hosted by Black Swamp Bird Observatory, Tropical Birding, Kaufman Field Guides, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, and Magee Marsh Wildlife Area.

Give me a shout out if I will see you there.

Register for the Biggest Week here and plan your lodging here.