American Birding 2017 final by presspublications

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Black Swamp Bird Observatory and the Ohio Young Birders Club urge you to SLOW DOWN and be alert when driving through our wildlife areas and parks! We know youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re excited about seeing birds, but herps and mammals use the roads too! Take time to appreciate and protect all life in the marshes!

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

WILDSIDENATURE TOURS

WORLDWIDE WILDLIFE ADVENTURES!

T S E E M IDE GU TEST CON THE

FOR

WILDSIDE

Visit our booth at the Biggest Week’s event headqua arters in Maumee Bay to enter the raffle. Then go find our guides attending the event and earn additiona al entries for each selfiee you take with a Wildside guide, thhen post p t to Wildside’s Facebook Page!* SOME OF THE WILDSIDE GUIDES YOU’LL MEET...

KEVIN LOUGHLIN OWNER/LEADER • Photo Instructor • Alaska • Central America • South America • Antarctica • Rocky Mountains • Galapagos

ADRIAN BINNS SENIOR LEADER • Birding/Safaris • North America • Europe • Kenya • Tanzania • Morocco • India

EDISON BUENAÑO Ñ BIRDING LEADER • Ecuador • Colombia • Peru • Bolivia • Cuba • More to come!

GABRIEL LUGO BIRDING LEADER • Puerto Rico • Dominican Rep • Jamaica • Cuba • Texas • More to come!

GREG MILLER BIRDING LEADER • Story Teller • Big Year Tours • Ohio • Texas • Arizona • More to come!

CHRIS BROWN BIRDING LEADER • Big Year Tours • Short Tours for Target Species • North America

Visit fb.com/wildsidenaturetourss to add your selﬁes to our pinned post! * Contest rules and instructions will be emailed upon entry in contest. Images must be posted to the comments on a speciﬁc post on Wildside’s Facebook page at http://fb.com/wildsidenaturetours to be included in the drawing.

888.875.9453

WILDSIDENATURE TOURS.com

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

Index

Biggest Week Co-Hosts & Partners 5 How to Use the Visitors’ Guide 6 Black Swamp Bird Observatory 8-9 Renting Cameras & Lenses 10 What to know—Magee Marsh Wildlife Area 10 Magee Marsh Shuttle Line 11 Optics Alley 12 Birding 101 & Binoculars 16-17 Conservation Initiatives 19 WGTE Birding Documentary 20-21 Creating a bird-safe yard 23 A bright idea—lights out Ohio! 26-27 Bird Tattoo Contest 30 Habitat on Private Lands 32-33 Ethics on the Boardwalk 34-35 Exploding cat population & wildlife 37 Birders’ Marketplace & Maps 38-39 The Biggest Week Birders’ Prom 39 New to the Area or Birding? 39 International Bird Observatory Conference 40 Festival Schedule 41-44 Biggest Week Free Activities 45 Ottawa National Wildlife Activities 46 Toledo Area Metroparks Activities 47 Howard Marsh Metropark 47 Conservation Fund Projects 48-49 Magee Marsh Bald Eagle Nests 50 Fun Places to Visit 51-55 eBird Tips for Bird Sightings 58-59 Drinking Bird-Friendly Coffee 60 Lake Erie Marsh Region 62 Warblers—Stars of the Show 64-65 Birds & Business Alliance 67 American Birding Code of Ethics 69 Timing of Spring Migration 74-75 Cell Phone Birding Apps 77

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1812 Food & Spirits 40 Advantage Tours Panama 80 African Safari Wildlife Park 30 Ala Carte Cafe 76 American Bird Conservancy 36, 63 Arlington Inn 30, 81 Bassett’s Market 22 Bayou Creek Farmstead 82 Bayview Bed & Breakfast 68 Bench Farms 70 Bird with Tom 82 Birding Ecotours 81 Birds & Beans Coffee 61 Blackberry Corner Restaurant 50 Canopy Tower Family Tours 13 Commodore Perry Inn & Suites 30 Courtyard by Marriott Rossford 70 Creek Bend Farm & Wilson Nature Center 16 Crosswinds Restaurant 79 Destination Toledo 28 DG’s Soft Serve 14 Dining Guide 71-73 Felted Nature 82 Flora & Fauna Field Tours 77 Friends of Magee Marsh 50 Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge 66 Gladieux Home Center 57 Granny’s Kitchen 77 Green’s Pharmacy 50 Hawai’i Island Festival of Birds 7 Hayes Presidential Center 79 House for Rent 82 Jolly Rogers Restaurant 56 Kaufman Field Guides 29 Kingfisher Coffee Company 82 Lake Erie Shores & Islands 24 Lakeside Chautauqua 40 Leica 84 Lorain County Metroparks 56 Luckies Barn & Grill 68 Maumee Bay General Store 30 Maumee Bay Lodge & Convention Center 76 Metroparks Toledo 31 Mon Ami Restaurant & Winery 56 Ohio Young Birders Club 2, 76 Perrysburg Convention & Visitor’s Bureau 83 Port Clinton Chamber of Commerce 81 Rayz Cafe/Rays on the Bay 70 Red, White & Brew 81 Rockjumper Tours 78 Rosie’s Bar & Grill 40 Sabrewing Tours 15 Sandusky County Visitor’s Bureau 16 The Bait House 51 The Nature Conservancy 25 Time & Optics 18 Toft’s Ice Cream 81 Toledo Museum of Art 27 Toledo Swiss Singers 77 Toledo Zoo & Aquarium 79 Tony Packo’s Restaurant 60 Vapors 68 Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 75 Wide World Shop 77 Wildside Nature Tours 3

2017

A welcome message from your hosts...

Welcome to The Biggest Week In American Birding... Black Swamp Bird Observatory, Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center, Destination Toledo, and Lake Erie Shores & Islands, welcome you to The Biggest Week in American Birding, and to fabulous Northwest Ohio, also known as “The Warbler Capital of the World.” We have some great things in store for this year’s Biggest Week, and we hope you have a safe and sensational experience. Speaking of being safe... This area welcomes birders with open arms. You’ll see “Welcome Birders!” messages gracing marquees, banners on light posts through the main thoroughfares, and birding specials of all kinds. The only complaint we ever receive about birders is in regard to driving. And while I know how tempting it can be, please, I implore you, do NOT stop along the roads to watch birds. It jeopardizes your life and the lives of others. The side roads in the area are narrow and typically flanked by deep drainage ditches. It is not ever okay to stop along the road to look at birds, and the county sheriffs will be patrolling the area and doing their job to ensure the safety of residents and visitors to the area. Conservation: the heart of the Biggest Week… In addition to information about the festival and the region, this year’s guide also carries several thought-provoking conservation messages. We hope this will help all of our readers understand the impact that our actions have on birds and the natural world and encourage you do all that you can to support bird conservation. It’s more than just great birding… If you’re visiting for the first time, you’ll soon discover that, while the birding is indeed world-class, it is the wonderful people who live and work here that make it a truly superb destination. We encourage you to extend your visit—or come back again when the birding isn’t so good that you can’t tear yourself away—and visit some of the other wonderful places this area has to offer. With museums, historic lighthouses, the world-famous Toledo Mud Hens, Cedar Point, waterparks, great fishing, and of course, the charm and charisma of the Lake Erie Islands, northwest Ohio is one of the country’s most alluring travel destina-tions at any time of year. Have a great time, and we hope you’ll come back again, soon! Kimberly Kaufman Executive Director Black Swamp Bird Observatory

Larry Fletcher Executive Director Lake Erie Shores & Islands

Patrick Czarny General Manager Maumee Bay Lodge

Rich Nachazel President Destination Toledo

Biggest Week in American Birding Visitors’ Guide Published by the Black Swamp Bird Observatory in conjunction with The Press Newspapers & The Beacon. Kimberly Kaufman, Executive Director, BSBO, www.bsbo.org 419-898-4070, 419-898-1363 (fax), kimkaufman@bsbo.org Ken Douthit, Publisher, The Press Newspapers John Schaffner, Publisher, The Beacon Mary Perkins, General Manager, The Press Newspapers J. Patrick Eaken, Editor, Visitors’ Guide, 419-836-2221, ext. 20 Editors/Graphics...Tammy Walro, Ken Grosjean, Jasmine Cupp, J. Patrick Eaken, Peggy Partin, Adam T. Jones, Katie Siebenaller, Ryan Jacob and Lauren McCafferty Sales/Graphics...Lesley Willmeth, Alyce Fielding, Leeanne LaForme, Julie Selvey, Vicky Kletecka, Gina Miller, Tracy Stubblefield Cover artwork graciously donated by y Scott Arvin, Indianapolis, Indiana. Bird images donated by Kaufman Field Guides

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

Black Swamp Bird Observatory offers sincere gratitude to our Biggest Week Co-hosts, Sponsors, Visitors’ Guide Partners, Tour Company Partners, Major Supporters, and of course, our outstanding team of volunteers! Without them, the festival would not be possible.

2017

Tour Company Partners

Festival Hosts:

Visitors’ Guide Publication Partners

Kirtland’s Warbler Level

Blackburnian Warbler Level

Cape May Warbler Level

Magnolia Warbler Level

Major Support provided by:

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

In Northwest Ohio, the Warbler Capital of the World! HOW TO USE THE BIGGEST WEEK VISITORS’ GUIDE If you have already registered for The Biggest Week In American Birding, this guide oﬀers you the overall fes val schedule (centerfold), travel ps, coupons, many conserva on messages, and much more. If you’re new to the area, the ‘Fun Places To Visit’ sec on is something you should check out. In addi on to the fabulous birding in this area, we also have an outstanding variety of ac vi es to partake in while you’re here this spring—and when you’re planning your return visit! Take in a Toledo Mud Hens game, visit the Toledo Museum of Art, the Toledo Zoo, Cedar Point Amusement Park, or have your picture taken in front of the Marblehead Lighthouse...the possibili es are endless!

If you have NOT registered for The Biggest Week In American Birding, there’s s ll me! While there are many free ac vi es during the fes val that do not require registra on, registra on IS required in order to par cipate in many of the programs, bus and boat trips, workshops, and presenta ons. Addi onal benefits of registering include access to free guided birding walks every morning at Magee Marsh from May 5th through May 14th at 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM; evening socials at the Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center; and discounts at dozens of local businesses through our Biggest Week Birder Discount Program. You just show up and flash your Biggest Week name badge to cash in on the savings.

Scan this code to register for the

Find Biggest Week on Facebook at:

fes val or visit: www.bwiab.com

www.facebook.com/TheBiggestWeekInAmericanBirding

Follow Biggest Week on Twi er at:

Find Biggest Week on Instagram: @BSBOBIRD

h ps://twi er.com/BiggestWeek

Oﬃcial Fes val hashtag: #BWIAB

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

I‘iwi © Jack Jeffrey Photography

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS Guest speakers, including Jeff Gordon (President, American Birding Association) and Kenn Kaufman (Author, Artist, Conservationist) Guided ﬁeld trips on land and sea Trade show for outdoor and birding equipment Bird-themed arts and crafts fair NEW birding ﬁlm festival Photography and art workshops

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION: BIRDFESTHAWAII.ORG FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK, HAWAII ISLAND FESTIVAL OF BIRDS

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, BSBO is a nonprofit supported by members & donations.

Staff of the Black Swamp Bird Observatory. “Dylan,” the cat pictured above, is a feral cat that BSBO rescued. Aside from photo ops, he is kept indoors where he’s safe and poses no threat to birds and wildlife.

Black Swamp Bird Observatory

The group behind ‘The Big Week’ Black Swamp Bird Observatory is much more than the organization behind The Biggest Week In American Birding. “Bird Conservation is the core of our mission.” says BSBO executive director Kimberly Kaufman. “In everything we do – research, education and outreach, and The Biggest Week – the overarching goal is building support for bird conservation.” BSBO’s research team has been conducting studies of migratory birds in this region for more than 25 years. BSBO operates one of the country’s largest songbird banding operations, having banded more than 600,000 birds in its history. The data collected by BSBO’s research team helps private land owners and government agencies manage habitat for birds. The data gathered is also helpful to birders, as it has helped to pinpoint the timing of arrival of many of the most sought-after species of birds. BSBO is determined to help connect young people with the marvels of migratory birds and the importance of conserving their habitat. Their programs for schools are offered free of charge. These programs bring thousands of students out to the marshes for hands-on, standard-based learning. Students help collect data by banding wild songbirds before releasing them back into the wild. These programs are a partnership with Magee Marsh Wildlife Area and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Students visit all three locations during each visit. BSBO is also the founder of the Ohio Young Birders Club, a statewide club for young nature enthusiasts aged 12-18 that takes students on monthly field trips across the state.

In recent years, BSBO has made strides to connect the Lakeshore communities with the valuable asset that birds and bird habitat represent for this region. Ecotourism, or more specifically “birdtourism,” has become a major part of BSBO’s conservation efforts. BSBO’s goal for organizing The Biggest Week In American Birding is to generate support for habitat conservation. While birders are here, BSBO gathers economic impact and travel data. These figures help build support for conserving the habitat these birds depend on for their survival – and that the region has come to depend on as a source of revenue. During April and May, 2016, more than 90,000 birders visited the area and while they were here they spent in excess of 40 million dollars at local businesses. Over the entire course of the festival, visiting birders have traveled from all 50 states and 38 countries. And the best part? All this occurs during what had been considered the shoulder season – one of the slowest times of tourism! Businesses are opening nearly a full month earlier, extending their hours, and hiring more staff. Working together with visitors’ bureaus, chambers of commerce, and their business alliance partners, BSBO has built a tourism season where there hadn’t been much happening before. This makes bird conservation relevant to an ever-increasing audience and allows the BSBO team to speak to more and more people about the value of habitat conservation.

For more information on supporting their work, please see page 9 of this guide, or visit www.bsbo.org. BSBO is located at the entrance to Magee Marsh Wildlife Area. They maintain year-round hours in their gift shop and window on wildlife where visitors can observe birds visiting the feeders. BSBO Board of Directors John Blodgett, Chair Dr. Randy Kreager, Vice Chair Michelle Klement, Treasurer Karen Fraker, Secretary Jim Berry Dr. Andy Jones Joe Komorowski Charity Krueger Barry McEwen Thomas Palmer Ram Ramamurthy Robert Ripma Dr. Elliott Tramer BSBO Staff Kimberly Kaufman, Executive Director Mark Shieldcastle, Research Director Laura Guerard, Education Director Jason Guerard, Outreach Director Ashli Gorbet, Banding Projects Manager Kimberley McRitchie, Store Manager Ryan Jacob, Staff Naturalist Lauren McCafferty, Communications Specialist

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

There’s never been a better time to join Black Swamp Bird Observatory! Black Swamp Bird Observatory operates primarily through the generosity of its members and donors. Help us help the birds by joining our team TODAY at www.bsbo.org. Your BSBO membership benefits: ¡

Our BSBO Newsletter

A 10% discount when you visit the BSBO Gift Shop ¡ Special members’ only discounts on BSBO events and activities ¡

Announcing our 2016-2017 Membership Drive! Anyone who purchases or renews a BSBO membership between now and May 13th, 2017, will be entered to win a Swarovski scope and a pair of Zeiss binoculars. A birding prize package valued at over $5,000!

BLACK SWAMP BIRD OBSERVATORY The organizaƟon that brings www.bsbo.org

Northwest Ohio’s Premier Bird Conservation Organization

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY and help support all the great things the Observatory does for birds and birders!

$15 STUDENT • $25 SENIOR $35 INDIVIDUAL • $40 FAMILY $100 SUPPORTING • $250 FRIENDS $500 SUSTAINING To join or donate call 419-898-4070, visit www.bsbo.org, or stop by and visit us at Black Swamp Bird Observatory 13551 W. State Route 2 Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449

(Just inside the entrance to Magee Marsh Wildlife Area)

you The Biggest Week...

BSBO: Teaming Research with EducaƟon to Promote Bird

Visit us on...

facebook.com/bsbobird

ConservaƟon!

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Magee Marsh Wildlife Area What to know before you go!

There is a 12 TON weight limit on the wildlife area road due to aging bridges! Due to this restriction:

HELP CONSERVATION, KEEP MAGEE CLEAN!

Dumpsters will NOT be available in the area. Please Pack It In, Pack It Out.

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

The O awa County Transporta on Agency (OCTA) and Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO) oﬀer an excellent opportunity for birders visi ng Magee Marsh during The Biggest Week this year. We are excited to present …

The Biggest Week Magee Marsh Shu le Line! MAGEE BOARDWALK EAST-ENTRANCE PARKING AREA

Here’s what you need to know: x

This public service is FREE & handicap accessible

Two shu les will run every 30 minutes from 10 AM to 5 PM, May 5 - 14

3 Pick-up and Drop-oﬀ points: the Magee Boardwalk East Parking Area, the Sportsmen’s Migratory Bird Center, and Black Swamp Bird Observatory

Look for this sign! SHUTTLE PICK-UP

Pick-up/Drop-oﬀ Loca ons

Brought to you by...

Contact BSBO at 419-898-4070 or email staﬀ@bsbo.org for any ques ons.

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Looking for binoculars or other optics and birding gear? Then youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll want to visit...

May 5-14, 2017 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Black Swamp Bird Observatory 13551 West State Route 2, Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449 (Located inside the entrance to Magee Marsh Wildlife Area)

OPTICS ALLEY will feature: Many optics dealers with an amazing variety of binoculars, spotting scopes, and other birding gear to try before you buy!

Look for these dealers in Optics Alley!

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

For All Your Sweet-Tooth Needs! • Shakes • Sundaes • Malts • Ice Cream Sodas • Slushies • Cheese Cake on a Stick • Hamburgers • Hot Dogs • Chili Dogs

«Quick Meals Too«

Tell Us That You’re a “Birder” & Receive

10% OFF

Your Entire Order! DG’S

Just a few miles from Maumee Bay State Park

DG’S

DG’s Soft Serve & Fast Foods 10609 Jerusalem Rd. Curtice, OH 43412 419-836-7254

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

www.sabrewingtours.com sabrewingtours@gmail.com

Offering setdeparture and custom itineraries to the best locations around the world.

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Photography Tours

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with award-w winning photographer Brian Zwiebel

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Binoculars for beginning birders By Melissa Mayntz Binoculars are a birder’s most crucial tool but can also be one of the most confusing things to buy, with a wide variety of brands, sizes, features and prices available. Sorting out the basics of binoculars, however, can help you choose the best binns for your birding needs and budget. Magnification Binoculars are measured with a pair of numbers – 7x40, 8x42, 10x50 and so on. The first number refers to the magnification – how much larger they make an object seem. Binoculars with a magnification of 8, for example, make a bird seem 8 times larger than when seen with the naked eye. But beware of extra large magnifications, as bigger images also magnify shaky hands or tiny motions, which can make watching birds more challenging. Lens Width The second number (40, 42, 50) is a measurement of the binoculars’ objective lens – the wide end of the barrel. A larger lens admits more light into the binoculars, creating a brighter image with clearer detail, crisper focus and better color. This is especially important for birding at dusk and dawn when birds are most active, or for birding in shaded areas, such as forests. Wider lenses are heavier, however, so if weight is an issue, smaller lenses may be best. Field of View The binoculars’ field of view is a measurement of how much area can be seen from a particular distance without moving the binoculars. A large field of view is a better birding option, because it will show more space where fast-moving

Meet Melissa Mayntz Melissa Mayntz is a Utah-based birder and freelance writer who is always looking for the next bird to add to her life list. Her birding has taken her around the world, including Mexico, Hawaii, Central America and the Caribbean, and she’s always eager to visit a new birding destination. Her favorite destination, however, is her urban backyard, which she is developing into a certified wildlife habitat and where every bird is welcome. She shares her passion for birds as the About.com Birding / Wild Birds Expert (birding.about.com), on her Backyard Birds Utah blog (backyardbirdsutah.blogspot.com), and she has written for a variety of bird-friendly magazines, including Bird Watcher’s Digest and National Wildlife Magazine. For more information, visit MelissaMayntz.com. birds may be active. Larger fields also make it easier to find birds when lifting the optics to your eyes, whereas a small field of view is more restrictive. Cost Binoculars are available for any budget, from $20 to $2,000 or higher. The general rule of thumb for birders is to purchase the most expensive binoculars that fit comfortably within your budget; great optics are available in the $200-400 range, but if your budget is higher or lower, choose the best optics you can afford. If the cost seems high, remember this: many birders faithfully use the same binoculars for years, so the cost is an investment in years of happy, enjoyable birding.

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Birding 101: Do you want to be a birder? By Kenn Kaufman Kaufman Field Guides So you’ve caught the buzz about birding. You know that thousands of people have taken up this hobby, or outdoor sport, or whatever it is, and they’re having a great time. And now you want to give it a try, but you’re not quite sure how to start? First thing to know is that birders are an incredibly friendly and welcoming bunch, always glad to welcome new people into the fun. If you show up at a birding site and admit that you don’t have much experience, you won’t be shunned – more likely, you’ll have people wanting to share information and show you birds that you haven’t seen before. There’s no secret handshake and no test that you have to pass. Just say that you’re interested, and the birders will accept you as part of the gang. But here are a few tips to help you get started. Question: Do I need a lot of special gear? No, there’s hardly anything that you really need at the start. When I got into birding as a kid, I had nothing except a burning interest. But things became a lot easier after I got my hands on a field guide and binoculars, and those two items are almost essential – along with some kind of small notebook and pencil, for jotting down notes. Question: What’s a field guide? A field guide is a special kind of book, designed to help you figure out what kind of bird you’re seeing. Usually it’s a fairly small book, so that you can slip it into a large pocket or day pack to carry along. It won’t tell you a lot about each kind of bird – just the basics for telling one kind from another. Question: Couldn’t I just go online and look up the birds there? Well, you could, but that could turn out to be a slow, frustrating process. How do you look it up if you don’t know its name? You could look through thousands of pictures online, and maybe find pictures that matched the bird you saw, but it could take hours. With a field guide, you could look it up on the spot in mere minutes, because these books are designed to get you to the answer quickly. Several good field guides are available, and for twenty bucks you can save yourself hours of online frustration. By the way, here’s a good tip on choosing a field guide, if you can go to a store that has a good selection (like a bird observatory, nature center, or wild bird store). Choose a bird that you already know well – a cardinal, maybe, or a robin, something like that – and look

Young birders appear to have found a sighting. (Photo by Chuck Owens) it up in each of the field guides. Find which book has your favorite treatment of the bird that you chose. Chances are, you’ll like the way that book illustrates and describes other kinds of birds, too. Question: What about binoculars. Are they really necessary? As a kid, I got started bird watching without binoculars, and learned some birds that way; but when I finally saved up money to get binoculars, it made a huge difference. Suddenly I could see all kinds of details I had missed before, and I could tell different birds apart so much more easily. The article in this publication by Melissa Mayntz has good advice on how to choose your first binoculars. Question: Where should I go to look for birds? You can find some birds practically anywhere, including back yards and city streets. To see more different kinds of birds, visit more habitats: the birds that like open fields are different from the ones that live in the forest. Areas near water often have more variety of birdlife, and edges between habitats – such as where a meadow meets the edge of a woodlot – can be very good as well. If you’re in northwestern Ohio, you can find maps and directions for several good birding spots at http://www.bsbo.org/birding/bird-

ing_hotspots.htm Question: Is there some kind of birding uniform? Will other birders know I’m a beginner if I don’t wear the right stuff? No, there’s no uniform! Just go for comfort. Sometimes you can get closer to birds if you avoid bright colors and bright whites, but often it makes no difference. If you’re going to be wading in swamps or snowdrifts, rubber boots may be necessary; but most of the time, tennis shoes will be fine. When the day starts cool and then warms up, it’s helpful to be dressed in layers that you can peel off as the temperature rises. Squeaky windbreakers or raincoats can be a pain if you’re trying to listen for bird calls. Sunscreen and bug repellant can be useful accessories. But again, comfort is the main goal. Question: Any other advice for getting started? As long as you’re not harming the birds or their habitat, or trespassing on private property, or causing problems for other people, there’s no “wrong” way to go birding. The best approach is the one that works best for you. Don’t get discouraged if you can’t recognize every bird you see – just make the most of the ones that you do recognize. Birding is something that we do for enjoyment, so if you enjoy it, you are already a good birder.

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Look for our booth in the Optics Alley, in the tent at the BSBO on May 5-13. 6-14.

source for birding opti cs

Event Location: 13551 W. State Route 2, Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449

AALLSSO OC CH HEEC CKK O OU UTT O OU URR BBO OO OTTH H AT AT M MAAN UM MEEEE BBAY AY LLO ODDG GEE

LOOKING FOR A GREAT DEAL?

BINOCULARS, SPOTTING SCOPES, TRIPODS, & ACCESSORIES.

BIRDING OPTICS OUTFITTER

ENTER TO WIN a Zeiss Conquest HD 8x42 Binoculars.

6954 CR 77 • Millersburg, OH 44654 P: 330.674.0210 • F: 330.674.0920

5DIÁ H WLFNHWV DUH DYDLODEOH IRU HDFK RU IRU Money collected from the sale of the tickets will go directly to the BSBO.

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Conservation is the Heart of The Biggest Week In American Birding For Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO), the effort we put forth on the festival is worth it because the event raises awareness and appreciation for birds and habitat conservation in a major way. Below, we offer some simple, fun, beautiful, and even tasty ways to help give something back to the birds that bring such joy to our lives. Buy a stamp, drink some bird-friendly coffee, take a kid (or any beginner) birding, and help us help the birds. 1 ) PURCHASE CONSERVATION STAMPS All of these conservation stamps are available for purchase at Black Swamp Bird Observatory, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, and Magee Marsh Wildlife Area Gift Shops. Your stamp purchase contributes to the purchase and protection of habitat, and the development of educational programs for students and teachers.

FEDERAL DUCK STAMP

OHIO WILDLIFE LEGACY STAMP

2) KEEP CATS INDOORS Domestic cats are recognized as a serious threat to global biodiversity. Cats have contributed to the extinction of 33 species across the world and continue to adversely impact a wide variety of species, including those that are threatened or endangered. The ecological dangers are so critical that the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) now lists domestic cats as one of the world’s worst nonnative invasive species. In the U.S., free-roaming domestic cats kill an estimated 1.4-3.7 billion birds and 6.9-20.7 billion mammals. Visit www.abcbirds.org for more information.

3) TAKE A BEGINNER BIRDING The future of bird conservation depends on keeping the next generation tuned in to nature. With each passing day, advancements in technology in our ever-changing world are pulling kids further and further from nature. Take a few minutes to take your kids out for a walk. Volunteer to lead nature hikes for kids at a nature center, for your local Audubon Chapter, or for your family and friends.

4) DONATE THE GUIA PROGRAM For a donation of just $12, you can support this important international conservation program! Visit www.bsbo.org/donate-the-guia to learn how you can donate copies of the Guia to be used in bird conservation programs in the U.S. and Mexico.

Learn more about local conservation efforts by visiting Black Swamp Bird Observatory’s website at www.bsbo.org

JUNIOR DUCK STAMP

5) LEAVE A BIRDER’S CALLING CARD Pick up some cards at event site locations and leave them when you visit area businesses. We want them to know that you are here because of the great birds (and bird habitat!) in the region.

6) DON'T RELEASE BALLOONS & SKY LANTERNS All released balloons, including those falsely marketed as “biodegradable latex,” return to Earth as ugly litter. They kill countless animals and cause dangerous power outages. Balloons are also a waste of Helium, a finite resource. Balloons can travel thousands of miles and pollute the most remote and pristine places. Learn more about this issue by visiting www.balloonsblow.org

7) PICK UP DISCARDED FISHING LINE Every year, thousands of birds become entangled in abandoned fishing line and die from drowning, starvation, dehydration or strangulation; sometimes these animals struggle for days before they die. Because fishing line is such a potent hazard to birds, it is imperative that it be properly cleaned up and safely disposed of. Whether or not you fish, you can always help by picking up discarded fishing line when you see it!

8) DRINK BIRD-FRIENDLY COFFEE Drinking certified shade-grown coffee is an easy way to support bird habitat conservation. This brand can be purchased at the Black Swamp Bird Observatory Gift Shop. Your host at the “The Biggest Week” is happy to recommend Birds & Beans for all of your shade-grown coffee needs.

2017 The Biggest Week in American Birding

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Flight Path: The World of Migratory Birds Slated to premier during Biggest Week in American Birding in 2018! As spring begins in northwest Ohio, WGTE Public Media follows migratory birds and the people who love them. Follow their path across the Americas DV WKH\ ÍĽ\ WKURXJK WKH ZRUOG LQVSLULQJ DZH DQG ZRQGHU 7KH GRFXPHQWDU\ will reveal how the phenomenon of migration is connected to many things: D ZRUOGZLGH FRPPXQLW\ RI ELUGHUV HFRQRPLF EHQHÍ¤WV GXH WR WKH ULVH RI birding ecotourism; and conservation issues that affect all living things. Join naturalist and longtime outdoors and award-winning conservation writer, Steve Pollick, as he follows the journey of these amazing creatures during an initial one-hour documentary. Renowned author Kenn Kaufman and Kimberly Kaufman, Executive Director at Black Swamp Bird Observatory join Pollick to share their expertise, insights and love of birding. This three-phase project will be expanded as funding is raised to include new episodes and educational outreach. Phase two will include four additional half-hour episodes that focus on birds and birding nationally. Phase three will include educational outreach efforts developed to bring the science of birds to K-12 students and a new generation of birders. See clips, behind-the-scenes extras and sign up for our email list at www.wgte.org/birds.

* WGTE Public Media is currently assembling the funding necessary to realize the project.

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Come Check Out the Latest Updates at Bassett's Market! Fresh Produce • Full Service Deli • State Liquor • Meat, Seafood, Sushi • Dairy • Wine Department • Hardware & MUCH, MUCH MORE!

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THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

Tips for Creating a Bird-safe Yard

2017

by Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman, bird experts with Birds and Blooms Magazine (Printed with permission from Birds & Blooms Magazine.) A lot of planning, me, and money go into a rac ng and feeding your backyard birds. But making your space appealing to them with food and plants they love is only one part of the equa on. You also need to ensure that birds stay safe while in your yard. With these ps, you’ll be on your way to a bustling backyard full of feathered BONUS TIPS... guests. Prevent Painful Panes Thud! When you hear a bird crash into a window, a feeling of dread comes over you. Stand out in your backyard and look at the windows of your house from a bird’s perspecve, and it’s easy to see why strikes are a major issue. Windows reflect the sky and fool birds into thinking they can fly right through. Special tape, decals shaped like hawks, and many other products designed to reduce window strikes can be eﬀec ve and are worth trying. If you’re experiencing bird strikes at windows near your feeders and decals aren’t doing the trick, move the feeders to within 2 or 3 feet of the window. In such a short distance, birds can’t build up any speed between the feeder and the window. Birds may s ll bump into the window occasionally, but they’re far less likely to be injured.

Clean Feeders Regularly Cleaning bird feeders is certainly not the most glamorous part of a rac ng birds, but it’s necessary to keep them healthy and avoid spreading diseases. Moldy seeds and accumulated bird droppings create a very unhealthy environment. It’s best to clean your feeders at least once a month using a s ﬀ brush THE CLEAR WAY TO FEED HUMMINGBIRDS and hot, soapy water. Be sure to rinse Beware: Some retailers oﬀer hummingbird food thoroughly and allow each feeder to dry colored with red dye. Most leading experts agree completely before filling and pu ng it that the dye can be harmful to birds, and at the very back up. Consider cleaning them more least it’s unnecessary. The top recommenda on for o en during mes of peak feeding achummingbird food is to make it at home. Mix one vity. part granulated white sugar to four parts water. Bring to a boil and allow to cool completely before filling feeders. Any other kind of sweetener besides white granulated table sugar is unsafe. SERVE FRESH SEEDS Heavy spring rains may wreak havoc on birdseed. Check feeders regularly to make sure the seeds aren’t moldy or stale. CONSIDER EASE OF CLEANING When you’re ready to choose and buy a new feeder, it’s important to consider how easy it will be for you to take apart and clean. Because many birds feed on the ground, remember to keep the area under the feeders clean as well.

USE NATIVE PLANTS Na ve plants are not only more suitable for our region--hardier and more resistant to disease--they’re also safer for birds and insects. Research what plants are na ve for your area - and ask for them at your local plant nursery.

Keep Cats Indoors Cats make wonderful companions. But if you love birds and feeding them, it’s best to keep your cats indoors. Studies prove the devasta ng impact that roaming house cats and feral cats have on birds and small mammals. House cats are not na ve and also are not part of the natural ecosystem. Many people believe that a well-fed ki y wouldn’t have any reason to hunt birds, but even cared-for cats have the ins nct to go a er birds. Feeders and roaming cats are a lethal combina on. If you have an outdoor cat, or if strays visit your yard, it may be best if you refrain from feeding the birds, for the birds’ own safety. Remember that, according to veterinarians, indoor cats live longer, healthier lives. So keeping them inside not only protects the birds, it’s also be er for the cats.

Say No to PesƟcides A SAFE SPACE FOR CATS Birding and gardening go hand-inCreate an outdoor enclosure or cat pa o for your feline friend. They allow your ki y to be outdoors hand, and understanding how birds, without being a threat to birds. Crea ng and maintaining a bird-safe yard bugs and plants benefit one another requires a bit more work and dedica on greatly enhances the rewards. As an beyond simply pu ng up a feeder. But the peace of mind that ac ve gardener, you probably have found bugs ea ng your comes with doing your part to keep birds safe is extremely replants and felt the urge to take ac on. But it’s important to warding. know that most pes cides are nondiscriminate killers that don’t just eliminate specific bugs. Pes cides kill important pollinators, like honeybees and bu erflies, as well as helpful insects Special Birds and Blooms like lady beetles. Although many kinds of lawn fer lizers with weed killers are harmful to wildlife, you s ll should consider organic fer lizers. Building your soil with a strong combina on of compost and organic fer lizers is cri cal. If you forgo all fer lizers, you can end up with poor plant growth, fewer bugs for birds to eat, and soil erosion as plants decline. And reducing the overall use of harsh pes cides in yards is healthier for humans, too.

Subscription Offer During The Biggest Week! Visit: birdsandblooms.com/BWspecial to subscribe TODAY!

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Welcome Birders! Welcome to the Warblerr Capital of the e World. From Maagee Marsh to Old Woman Creek, you’ll disscoverr so manyy re easons to spend another day in Ohio’s Lake Erie Shore es & Island ds, one of th he nation’s best areas forr birding.. Plan your perfect vacatiion now at SHORESand dISLANDS.co om..

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THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

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THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

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Chicago Skyline before and after the lights go down.

A bright idea — lights out Ohio!

Helping to reduce danger for migrating birds By Tammy Walro Press Staff Writer Birds encounter many perils as they migrate between their wintering and breeding grounds. In addition to dangers from predators, roaming house cats, pollution, disease, storms and natural disasters, birds face significant risk of dying from collisions with buildings, particularly when flying at night. In the darkness, lights on tall buildings or illumination aimed skyward can disorient birds and draw them toward the buildings. The result – many collide into windows or circle buildings until they fall from exhaustion. Across the United States, it is estimated that up to a billion migrating birds are killed annually in collisions with buildings. Lights Out programs are working to change that. The innovative approach to bird conservation encourages building owners and managers to find ways to adapt lighting schemes to reduce dangers to nocturnally migrating birds while maintaining the building

safety and aesthetic beauty. “The first Lights Out program that I’m aware of was started in Toronto by an organization called FLAP (Fatal Light Awareness Program) in 1993,” said Matt Shumar, program coordinator for the Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative (OBCI). “The first program in the United States was in Chicago in 1995, and since then, similar programs have been popping up in cities across North America and the world,” he said. Ohio’s inaugural Lights Out program started in 2012 in Columbus, initiated by OCBI, which is a coalition of almost 100 organizations that support bird conservation efforts in Ohio. In 2012 and 2013, the Columbus program studied bird collisions in two districts of the city. Results showed a significant relationship between the number of dead birds found at a building and the nighttime light index – more dead or injured birds were found at taller and brighter buildings. The results aligned with a study conducted by FLAP in Toronto in 2002. Ohio Lights Out volunteers, with

support of Grange Insurance Audubon Center (GIAC), the Columbus Zoo, and the Ohio Wildlife Center, reached out to building owners and managers, enrolling 19 buildings in the program. Participants pledge to take as many of the following steps as possible, especially between midnight and dawn during the spring (March 15-June 1) and fall (Aug. 15-Oct. 31): • Turn off exterior decorative lighting; • Dim lobby and atrium lighting; • Turn off interior lights or draw blinds, especially on upper floors. “For any building that is enrolled in the program, we try to encourage them to turn as many of the upper floor lights off as possible,” Shumar said. “First-floor or lower-floor lighting typically stays on and we encourage them if they have lighting around the building to use downward-facing lighting instead of omni-directional lighting. Sometimes it’s just a matter of using a different design. “Certainly, any steps they take (continued on page 27)

Lights out Ohio! (continued from page 26)

to reduce their light emission is beneficial, and we encourage participation even at reduced levels” he said. In addition to realizing energy savings, Lights Out participants cite environmental and wildlife conservation as major reasons for enrolling in the program. “Almost everybody that enrolled indicated they wanted to demonstrate to their clientele that they were taking steps to become a more sustainable business,” Shumar said. “We created signs that they can display in their lobbies to show that they are participating in this program to assist wildlife and that’s been very well received,” he said. “And we include their businesses in logos and programming as well. That’s gone a long way.” Statewide program takes flight Building on the success of Lights Out Columbus, OCBI is working with partners across the state to initiate Lights Out Ohio, launching programs in other Ohio cities. “We now have several buildings enrolled around Dayton and with the help of Lake Erie Nature & Science Center and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, expanding into Cleveland

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

this spring. we Additionally, are currently in the planning phases of a program in Toledo, with major support from Swamp Black Bird Observatory,” Shumar said. “At this point, encouragwe’re ing anyone across the state to sign up,” he said. “You Matt Shumar don’t necessarily have to live in one of the urban areas – certainly, anybody anywhere can sign up for the program.”’ While individual residences don’t pose quite as much of an issue as taller buildings, homeowners are encouraged to Participate in the Lights Out program to help make their homes more bird-friendly, too, Shumar said. Get started by: • Eliminating exterior decorative lighting, especially upward-facing spotlights. • Drawing blinds at night and turning off lights in rooms that are not in use. • Moving houseplants away from windows so birds don’t mistake them

2017

for available habitat. • Positioning bird feeders and birdbaths either within 3 feet of the window or farther than 15 feet away. • Using ABC BirdTape to make windows safe for birds. • Using Tempera paint (available at most art supply and craft stores) to create patterns on windows with brush or sponge, or use a stencil. Tempera is long-lasting, even in rain, and nontoxic, but comes right off with a damp rag or sponge. • Adding screens to window exteriors. Not only will screens break up the reflection, but if birds do collide with the screen it will cushion the blow and significantly reduce the chance of injury. If you can’t hang fitted screens, stretch lightweight netting over the window. Netting must be several inches in front of the window, so birds don’t hit the glass after hitting the net. Several companies, (www.birdscreen. com, www.birdsavers.com) sell screens or other barriers that can be attached with suction cups or eye hooks (also see http://www.birdbgone.com, http:// www.nixalite.com, or http://www.birdmaster.com). To learn more about Lights Out programs in Ohio and how to get involved, visit ohiolightshout.org.

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THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

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Bird Tattoo Contestâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a perennial favorite The 2017 Biggest Week Bird Tattoo Contest â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a perennial favorite with festival-goers since the inaugural event in 2013 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is set for Thursday, May 11 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference center. Show off your awesome bird tattoo (the publicly shareable ones, please) and be ready to wow the judges with the â&#x20AC;&#x153;rest of the storyâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the tale behind the ink artistry. Sign-up is free. The winner of the contest will go home with some great optics and other awesome prizes too!

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Get Outside Yourself

Welcome Birders! Metroparks of the Toledo Area encourages you to explore 12,000 acres of natural beauty. Discover the Oak Openings Region, the Lake Erie wetlands, the mighty Maumee River and more here in the Warbler Capital.

MetroparksToledo.com

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Wild at Home: Providing With over 90% of land in the Midwest privately owned, landowners can be a powerful force for conservation. While wildlife areas, refuges, and parks are indispensable assets, private lands act as the links in the chain, connecting these habitats for wildlife. At the heart of Black Swamp Bird Observatory is a commitment to promote conservation. With assistance from Mark Witt, Private Lands Biologist for Ohio Division of Wildlife, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve put together these ways in which you can bring the wild to your home today! Large Private Lands

Backyard Tips

In NW Ohio alone, thousands of acres of private land have already been dedicated to conservation practices. Converting large tracts of land not only creates property for landowners to enjoy and pass down, but more importantly, creates continuity for passage. In a fragmented, agricultural and urban environment, habitat corridors play vital roles in connecting properties (public and private), and offer wildlife and migratory birds a way to traverse the landscape in search of food and breeding grounds.

Here are a few easy tips to bring your backyard to life and provide habitat. Brush piles create excellent shelter. Native flowers are preferred by insects and hummingbirds. Native prairies offer nectar, seed, shelter, and nesting material.

Cost: Varies upon habitat type and acreage. Grassland restoration can be as low as $250/acre, where as wetland restoration can be as high as $2500/acre.

Native shrubbery and fruiting trees provide shelter, nesting sites, and food.

Funding: Many funding opportunities exist that can offer up to 90% cost share for restoration projects, with the potential of post-restoration compensation in some cases. In Ohio, funding programs include: USDA Conservation Reserve Programs and NRCS Wetland Reserve Easement, USFWS Partners for Fish & Wildlife, Ohio Division of Wildlife, and Ducks Unlimited.

Water features invite wildlife to drink, bathe, and breed.

Types: Funded projects vary by location. In Ohio, the main types of funded projects target water quality and are geared towards agriculture lands. Project types include: Field Wind Break, Riparian Tree Buffer, Filter Strip, and Wetland Restoration. Where to begin: Contact your local DNR or USFWS Private Lands Biologist to learn what options are available for your property. Not all habitats are the same, and different regions offer different funding opportunities. Private Lands Biologists can help decide what native habitat best suits your land, what funding opportunities are available, and can offer technical advice for future management.

Find a local representative near you: Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODOW) wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/species-and-habitats/private-lands-management US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) www.fws.gov/partners/contactUs.html

No Mow areas allow native plants to return to the surface.

Leave dead trees standing for woodpeckers and other cavity nesting species. From a native flower garden to a whole section of prairie, providing habitat can be as simple or complex as you wish. No matter how big or small an investment you make, you can create a biodiverse richness for you and wildlife to enjoy. With many species in decline, pollinators need your help more than ever. Check out the Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative for native plant information and to learn how you can be a part of the pollinator solution today!

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

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Habitat on Private Lands Private Lands Restoration Testimonials Lois and Vic Harder—Harder Grassland “It’s more work now, but it’s more enjoyable!” Nestled among the farm fields just outside of Oak Harbor, Ohio, lies the Harder Grassland – a nearly 80-acre private expanse devoted to native grassland habitat. Owners Lois and Vic Harder have lived here for over 25 years – diligently maintaining the land for both the birds and the people who come to visit. Eastern Meadowlarks can be heard singing from atop the Purple Martin houses. Northern Harriers can be seen cruising the fields by day, replaced by Short-eared Owls at twilight. Decades ago, the property was inherited to Lois and Vic when it could no longer be utilized for farming. Deciding that they wanted to “put it back to mother nature,” Lois and Vic joined the Conservation Reserve Program – a federal program that compensates farmers for removing land from agricultural production and returning it to native habitat. Pheasants Forever provided the equipment and grassland seeds, free of charge, and transformed the 77acre farm field into a burgeoning habitat, creating a new journey of effort and enjoyment for the Harders. Over the years since that first planting, Lois and Vic have put in an incredible amount of work clearing invasive plants and performing prescribed burns. But it’s work born of passion. Through their constant efforts, they have conserved a habitat on their property that now commonly hosts hard to find grassland birds. Dickcissel, Henslow’s and Grasshopper Sparrow… These “birds of the field” have been given a home just outside the Harder’s backdoor. As a stop during The Biggest Week Private Lands field trip, hundreds of birders have had the pleasure of walking the lane through Lois and Vic’s creation, immersed in the bubbles of Bobolink and the chatter of martins. It’s a place that Lois and Vic have become known for, and a jewel that they continue to share.

Photos by Brian Zwiebel

Robin Arnold and Gena Husman—Drenning Marsh “It was—and continues to be—a labor of love.” Since 2010, Robin and Gena have enjoyed the sights and sounds of their five acre marsh in Port Clinton, Ohio. Blue and Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead, Least Bittern, Marsh Wren, and many others have paid a visit to Drenning Marsh, while Sora, Pied-billed Grebe, and the occasional White-tailed Deer have settled down to breed. But the land wasn’t always this inviting. Up until 2003, the 12 acres that Robin and Gena now own was a soybean field, inherited from Robin’s family. Once the property was acquired, the women decided to let the land “go wild.” For several years the “wilderness” and marsh worked to reclaim the land; Photos by Robin Arnold becoming Robin and Gena’s own little nature preserve. The couple even found King Rail nesting (an Ohio endangered species). In 2010, inspired by a local project, Robin and Gena decided to enhance their property with a wetland. With aid from the USFWS Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program, the framework of their five acre wetland was completed in seven days at no cost to them. Eventually, the water would fill in, the plants would grow, and the shorebirds and ducks would arrive. The two nature lovers continue to preserve the area, clearing walking trails, maintaining nest boxes, and enjoying the habitat they have created. As a stop during The Biggest Week Private Lands field trip, Robin and Gena’s property has hosted birders from around the world. Movie stars, magazine editors, and nature lovers have all had the fortune of visiting this 12-acre property in Ohio. Sharing the sights and sounds that Robin and Gena call home.

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

MAGEE MARSH BOARDWALK CODE OF ETHICS: GUIDELINES TO ENHANCE THE VISITOR’S EXPERIENCE AND PROTECT THE RESOURCE (As developed by Black Swamp Bird Observatory and the Ohio Division of Wildlife) The boardwalk at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area has become an iconic birding des na on. Birders from around the world consider it one of the best places in the Western Hemisphere to experience the spring migra on of songbirds. The area of wooded habitat along Lake Erie that the mile-long boardwalk meanders through is a concentra on point for birds as they pause to rest and feed before crossing the Lake. And because the birding is so sensa onal, the boardwalk can become quite crowded at mes. Black Swamp Bird Observatory, in conjunc on with Ohio Division of Wildlife and local birders and photographers, has developed a simple Boardwalk Code of Ethics to help ensure that your me on these bodacious birding boards is an enjoyable experience. Please note that since Magee Marsh is a state wildlife area, there are some regula ons governing ac vi es that are punishable by law. We list a few par cularly important examples below. The remaining informa on we oﬀer simply as sugges ons to make your experience a posi ve one and to ensure that the birds and the habitat are respected and protected.

ALL VISITORS MUST ADHERE TO THE RULES ESTABLISHED BY OHIO DIVISION OF WILDLIFE. FOR EXAMPLE: ¡

Li ering is prohibited. There are NO TRASH RECEPTACLES near the boardwalk, so the Pack In - Pack Out rule applies.

To injure, remove, deface, damage, or destroy any tree or plant on state property is prohibited.

No solici ng of any kind without a wri en permit from the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

Other than assistance animals, pets are not allowed on the boardwalk.

Sca ering or placing feed capable of luring, en cing, or a rac ng birds is prohibited.

Camping, swimming, fires, barbecuing in the area is prohibited.

REPORT WILDLIFE VIOLATIONS 1-800-Wildlife and 1-800-Poacher

For a full list of wildlife area regula ons, visit the Ohio Division of Wildlife website, here: h p://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/public-hun ng-fishing-wildlife-viewing-areas/wildlife-area-laws

GENERAL GUIDELINES ¡

So others can enjoy the natural experience, refrain from using radios, shou ng, or making other loud noises.

Turn cell phones oﬀ or set to vibrate.

Respect the habitat and protect the resource by staying on the boardwalk at all mes.

For the safety and comfort of others, please don’t block the boardwalk in any way.

Be aware of your personal space and how it impacts others (i.e. backpacks, tripods, strollers, etc.).

Be mindful of those around you and allow others to pass in congested areas.

Do not stand or sit on the railing of the boardwalk at any me.

Please be considerate of the experience of those around you and do not smoke.

Please keep in mind that whether birding, photographing, or just enjoying a walk on the boardwalk during migra on, we are all there for the same ul mate reason. Please be respec ul of one another, enjoy the birds and company, and rejoice that there are so many people with varied interests who care for nature.

We encourage all visitors to purchase an Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp (OWLS). Proceeds from the sale of the stamp help generate funding for wildlife diversity in Ohio. OWLS are available for purchase at Black Swamp Bird Observatory and the Sportsman's Migratory Bird Center (both located at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area.) You may also purchase the stamp online at www.bsbo.org

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

BIRDING & PHOTOGRAPHY ETIQUETTE ¡

The #1 complaint we receive about the Magee Boardwalk experience is the use of tripods. Tripods can be a challenge for everyone when the boardwalk is crowded. During these mes, we encourage the use of monopods, or photographing birds along the edge of the parking lot where bird photography can be really good! If you do use a tripod on the boardwalk, set up in such a way that you u lize the smallest area possible, try to avoid occupying more than ½ the width of the boardwalk.

Laser pointers: We discourage the use of laser pointers at all mes.

Pishing, squeaking, playback, and other bird-a rac ng sounds are discouraged. They're not likely to be eﬀec ve anyway: migrants passing through an area tend to be less responsive to such sounds, while resident birds at a popular spot like Magee have become habituated and mostly ignore these sounds.

This is men oned in the first sec on under state regula ons, but worth repea ng: Do not alter the habitat in any way (breaking branches, pulling vegeta on, etc.) in order to get a be er view or photo of a bird, bird nest, etc.

Share the view: Once you see the bird, move on and allow others to enjoy it.

When viewing a bird, please step as close as possible to the railing on the side the bird is on to allow others to pass safely behind you.

Whenever possible, avoid walking in front of someone who’s looking through op cs or camera.

Flash photography: In areas where there are crowds of people and the birds are close, we discourage the use of flash photography on the boardwalk.

Exercise pa ence with beginners. The boardwalk a racts many new birders who may not know basic birding e que e. All of these people represent poten al new support for bird conserva on, so it's very important to treat them with pa ence and courtesy.

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS ¡

Restrooms: It’s a long way to the other end of the boardwalk, and the birding can be so good that hours will pass before you know it. To ensure your comfort and happiness, we encourage use of the portable toilets before entering the boardwalk.

Food: While there are many wonderful restaurants in the area, the boardwalk is a fair distance from them, so packing a picnic lunch can be a good op on.

Carry water with you at all mes.

On average, spring migra on in northwest Ohio happens before the hatch of bi ng insects, so repellent is typically not necessary.

The Magee boardwalk is in a fairly remote loca on, at least 35 minutes from the nearest hospital. It's a good idea to carry a small first-aid kit when birding the area.

In case of an emergency, dial 911.

Purchase your Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp and Federal Duck Stamp at Black Swamp Bird Observatory, the Sportsman’s Migratory Bird Center, or online at www.bsbo.org

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Photo by Vishnevskiy Vasily, Shutterstock

KEEP CATS INDOORS Better for cats. Better for birds. Better for people.

The Challenge: Scientists estimate that every year in the United States, free-roaming domestic cats kill from 1.4 to 3.7 billion birds and 6.9 to 20.7 billion mammals. (For perspective, consider that 1.4 billion is equivalent to the entire human population of China.) Life for outdoor cats is risky and on average results in considerably shorter lives. Outdoor cats can be hit by cars; attacked by dogs, coyotes, or other wildlife; contract fatal diseases, such as rabies and feline distemper; and be lost, stolen, or poisoned. Feral and other free-roaming cats also pose a health risk to humans from the spread of diseases such as rabies and toxoplasmosis. Cats, the top carrier of rabies among domestic animals, pose a disproportionately larger risk of exposure to people than wildlife. Toxoplasmosis, which can infect any warm-blooded species, is deposited into the environment through cat feces and can lead to conditions such as memory loss, blindness, and death.

Studies show that outdoor cat colonies, sustained through the practice of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Trap, Neuter, Release,â&#x20AC;? are also bad for birds and do not reduce feral cat populations. They are also inhumane for the cats, which lead short, harsh lives. Birds Impacted: Common songbirds, such as the Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, and House Wren, are victims of cat predation, as well as long-distance migrants such as the Indigo Bunting and Yellow Warbler. Rare and endangered species, such as the Piping Plover, Florida Scrub-Jay, and California Least Tern are also affected, along with birds that nest or feed on the ground, such as the California Quail. The Solution: Please, keep cats indoors. There are a number of ways to help cats adjust to an indoor lifestyle, and American Bird Conservancy provides a wealth of resources that can help. Many veterinarians and animal welfare organizations support keeping cats indoors for their own safety, as well as to prevent them from killing wildlife.

For more information: www.abcbirds.org/cats

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Exploding cat population puts wildlife in danger By Mark Griffin Press Contributing Writer sports@presspublications.com Dr. Peter Marra is more than just a scientist and Director of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center in Washington, D.C. He’s also an ultimate Frisbee player, a foodie, a fisherman and of course a birder. Marra grew up birding the beaches, marshes and rolling hills of Connecticut with the likes of Noble Proctor and Fred Sibley. After leaving Southern Connecticut State University with his B.S. he went right to LSU and to Peru where he studied habitat selection in understory tropical birds for his Master’s degree. From there he headed north to Dartmouth College for a Ph.D. and began working on the ecology of migratory birds throughout the annual cycle, research he continues to this day, 25 years later. Alas, Dr. Marra will not be talking about frisbees, cooking or migratory birds during his book signing and presentation during the Biggest Week in American Birding, which is scheduled for May 5-14. Dr. Marra will speak at Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center from 4-5 p.m. on Friday, May 12 about his new book, Cat Wars: The Devastating Consequences of a Cuddly Killer. (Princeton University Press, 2016). The book was co-authored with Chris Santella. Dr. Marra will present data on the threats that free-ranging cats pose to biodiversity and public health throughout the world and the risks cats are exposed to themselves from being outdoors. He will also shed new light on the controversies surrounding the “management” of cats that has led to an explosion of cat populations. Cat Wars, which is 215 pages, is Dr. Marra’s first book. “It was a fantastic experience,” he said. “I wrote Cat Wars outside my day job, at night and on the weekends, and it was a blast. I’ve written almost 200 scientific publications, but this allowed me to roll up my sleeves and write in a

Author Dr. Peter Marra Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center Friday, May 12 4-5 p.m. more creative and fun style - and with one of my closest friends. It was a really positive experience.” Dr. Marra said the idea for the book came about because he felt that most people don’t have a clue about “how impactful” cats actually are when outside and out of our control – to wildlife, human health and to themselves. “The cat population, globally, is exploding,” Dr. Marra said. “Every town is being sold a bill of goods that cats are OK outside. I’m doing the science of why birds are declining, and it’s clear that cats are a real problem. Most people are only hearing from the Humane Societies, the no-kill shelters or cat advocacy groups. They’re not hearing from scientists or bird advocates. “There are only a few groups out there standing up for the birds that are telling the truth about outdoor cats,” he added. “It was clear we needed a different way to deliver the message, not just through scientific literature or the press. I wanted to write a book that folks would enjoy reading and have the mountains of science made available to them so that they understood that there is a real issue here.”

Dr. Marra also made it clear that he has nothing against cats. “Cats can be incredible pets,” he said. “I have had them in the past. Right now I have big golden retriever. Cats are fun animals to have. They are really interesting and playful and independent. What’s not to like about a cat?” Dr. Marra has never been to the Biggest Week in American Birding, but he said he’s looking forward to telling birders here about his new book and doing some birding. He’s particularly fond of warblers. “I love what I do and I feel passionate about this topic, and birds in general. People will leave my talk with their eyes wide-opened. This is a problem we can reverse. This is not about trying to stop climate change or habitat loss. People need to have the information about cats in their back pocket. Birders, folks who just love birds and nature need to be educating their neighbors and their county councils about the problem with outdoor cats. We need to get cats off the landscape, there’s no time to lose”

PRESS The

Oregon to Port Clinton.

Since 1972

Metro Suburban Maumee Bay

The Press Newspapers and The Beacon have joined together to deliver local news to more than 47,000 homes & businesses in 25 communities in Lucas, Wood, Ottawa & Sandusky Counties. www.presspublications.com or www.thebeacon.net

35 36

33 32

28 29

24. Bird Watcher’s Digest

May 5-13, 2017 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Located in the lobby of the Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center

23. Wildside Nature Tours

Birder’s Marketplace

Water’s Edge Dining Room & Ice Breaker Lounge

12. Nature is Awesome

11. WGTE

22. BRANT Nature Tours

26 31

B S B O B

Front Desk

7 11

35. Black Swamp Beds & Birds

Maumee Bay Lodge A. DesƟnaƟon Toledo CVB (419) 321-6404 B. Lake Erie Shores & Islands CVB West-(419) 734-4386 Entrance

Registration

B S B O BWIAB

37. New Earth Photography

36. A-T-Z Woodcra s LLC

34. Bear Track Studios

33. Pixel Connec on (May 10-13)

32. Perla

20. Birding Africa 21. Birding Eco Tours

31. Rob Liptak

30. Birder Chicks, LLC

29. Felted Nature

19. Victor Emanuel Nature Tours

18. Bird Uganda Safaris

28. Drawing 10,000 Birds

17. Naturalist Journeys/ Caligo Ventures

33. Paridae Design

27. Sassafras Wildlife

8. Osa Conserva on

May 5-9 ONLY

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

10. Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Fes val

9. Leica Sports Op cs

7. Rio Grande Valley Birding Fes val

6. Ohio Bird Conserva on Ini a ve

5. The Nature Conservancy

4. Bird with Tom

27. Shared Lives Studios (May 10-13)

26. Ornithopolis

25. American Birding Associa on

16. Ventures Birding Tours

15. Canopy Family

14. Sabrewing Nature Tours

2. Hog Island Audubon Camp

3. Metroparks Toledo

13. Naturally Avian

1. Houghton Miﬄin

May 5-13

38 2017

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

New to the Area or to Birding? Visit Black Swamp Bird Observatory y (BSBO) for FREE birdin ng maps of the best places to go birding in this are ea.

VISIT THE BIGGEST WEEK

BIRDER’S MARKETPLACE

Magnolia Warbler (Kenn Kaufman)

The Birder’s Marketplace,

in the lobby of Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center, will feature a wonderful variety of bird- & naturerelated items including crafts, artwork, jewelry, birding wear & gear, optics, & birding travel information.

Each map includes information on when to visit and what to expect when you go. BSBO is located at the entrance to Magee Marsh Wildlife Area 13551 West State Route 2 Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449 Open every day in May!

Every afternoon & evening during the festival from 3-8 p.m. (some booths will be open longer hours) the Birder’s Marketplace will be open for business!

THE BIGGEST WEEK’S BIRDER PROM The Biggest Week k is famous for introducing totally new ideas to the world of bird festivals, and 2017 is NO exception. So, grab your date and migrate to the second annual BIRDER PROM! Slip on your boogie shoes and get ready to dance the night away! We’ll provide the DJ, the dance floor, the ambiance, and a cash bar. You bring your best moves to the Tanager Tango, the Hummingbird Hop, the Warbler Waltz, z & the Songbird Salsa!

~ Friday, May 12

2017

7-10:00 pm

$5.00 donation at the door No pre-registration p g required q

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

BOTH LOCATIONS OPEN DAILY!

We Welcome You

2590 225 590 EEast astt Sa as S Sand nd R Road, oaad, d Port Por ortt Clinton Clin Cl into tonn 419-960-7546 41941 9 96 99 00-75 7546 46 With a variety of educational lectures, live entertainment, recreational activities, shopping, dining and accommodations, you’re sure to nurture mind, body and spirit. E D U C AT I O N

ARTS

RELIGION

R E C R E AT I O N

Line-up, L ine -up, 4-9pm 4 - 9 pm Tues-Thurs T ues-Thurs

Home of the $5 Martini OPEN FOR LUNCH DAILY 1177 Ma 11 Madi Madison diso soon St Stre Street, reeet e , Po P Port rtt C Clinton lil nt nton on | 419-967-9084 419 19-9 -967 67-9 -908 0844 866.952.5374 • www.lakesideohio.com

Visit V isit uuss online online at at 1812rosies.com 1812rosies.com

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING 2017 SCHEDULE REGISTRATION IS OPEN THURSDAY, MAY 4 - SUNDAY, MAY 14, 8AM TO 7PM, AT MAUMEE BAY LODGE & CONFERENCE CENTER

Note: "FREE" means that the activities are free with festival registration. ACTIVITY

FEE

LOCATION

START

END

$60 $60 $60 $60 $35 $60 $60 $60 $60 $60 $15 FREE FREE FREE FREE $35 $10 FREE $15

MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE PEARSON METROPARK MAGEE MARSH WEST END BLACK SWAMP OTTAWA REFUGE MAGEE MARSH WEST END MAUMEE BAY LODGE OTTAWA REFUGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE

6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM

2:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 10:00 AM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 11:00 AM 10:00 AM 5:00 PM 11:00 AM 12:30 PM 3:00 PM 2:00 PM 8:00 PM 5:00 PM

$12 $12

BLACK SWAMP MAUMEE BAY LODGE

8:30 PM 8:30 PM

9:30 PM 9:30 PM

$60 $60 $60 $60 $60 $60 $60 $60 $60 $60 $35 $50 $15 FREE FREE FREE $25 FREE FREE FREE $10 $10 FREE $15

MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAGEE MARSH WEST END SHELDON MARSH MAGEE MARSH WEST END MAGEE MARSH EAST END BLACK SWAMP MAGEE MARSH EAST END OTTAWA REFUGE PEARSON METROPARK MAGEE MARSH WEST END OTTAWA REFUGE OTTAWA REFUGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE

6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 7:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:30 AM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM

2:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 11:00 AM 11:00 AM 11:00 AM 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 5:00 PM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 12:30 PM 12:30 PM 2:00 PM 8:00 PM 5:00 PM

$12 $12

BLACK SWAMP MAUMEE BAY LODGE

8:30 PM 8:30 PM

9:30 PM 9:30 PM

$60 $60 $60 $60 $35 $60 $60 $60 $60 $60 $15 FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE $35

MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE EAST HARBOR STATE PARK MAGEE MARSH WEST END BLACK SWAMP PEARSON METROPARK OTTAWA REFUGE MAGEE MARSH WEST END MAUMEE BAY LODGE

6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM

2:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 10:00 AM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 11:00 AM 10:00 AM 5:00 PM 12:00 PM 11:00 AM 12:30 PM 3:00 PM

FRIDAY, MAY 5 VAN #1: OAK OPENINGS PRESERVE GUIDED TRIP VAN #2: OAK OPENINGS PRESERVE GUIDED TRIP VAN #3: THE WILDS OF ERIE COUNTY GUIDED TRIP VAN #4: THE WILDS OF ERIE COUNTY GUIDED TRIP VAN #5: LEADER'S CHOICE GUIDED TRIP VAN #6: BIG DAY GUIDED TRIP VAN #7: BIG DAY GUIDED TRIP VAN #8: SOUTH BAY PRIVATE LANDS GUIDED TRIP VAN #9: CATAWBA/MARBLEHEAD BIRDING HOTSPOTS GUIDED TRIP VAN #10: CATAWBA/MARBLEHEAD BIRDING HOTSPOTS GUIDED TRIP PEARSON METROPARK GUIDED WALK - YOU DRIVE / WE LEAD MAGEE MARSH GUIDED WALK OPTICS ALLEY TRAVEL TALK: CONFESSIONS OF A TOUR LEADER BY VENTURES BIRDING TOURS

MAGEE MARSH GUIDED WALK VAN #5: LEADER'S CHOICE GUIDED TRIP PROGRAM: NEOTROPICAL WAVES OF SPRING MIGRATION BY MARK SHIELDCASTLE

BIRDER'S MARKETPLACE KEYNOTE: BIRD SOUNDS, DECODED - NATHAN PIEPLOW EVENING SOCIAL - FREE REFRESHMENTS - FOR REGISTRANTS ONLY. MUST SHOW BIGGEST WEEK NAME BADGE TO PARTICIPATE. SKYDANCING: WOODCOCKS ON THE WING SKYDANCING: WOODCOCKS ON THE WING

SATURDAY, MAY 6 VAN #1: OAK OPENINGS PRESERVE GUIDED TRIP VAN #2: OAK OPENINGS PRESERVE GUIDED TRIP VAN #3: THE WILDS OF ERIE COUNTY GUIDED TRIP VAN #4: THE WILDS OF ERIE COUNTY GUIDED TRIP VAN #5: PT. MOUILLEE STATE GAME AREA GUIDED TRIP VAN #6: PT. MOUILLEE STATE GAME AREA GUIDED TRIP VAN #7: BIRDING PRIVATE LANDS OF THE LITTLE PORTAGE AREA GUIDED TRIP VAN #8: BIRDING PRIVATE LANDS OF THE LITTLE PORTAGE AREA GUIDED TRIP VAN #9: PICKEREL CREEK WILDLIFE AREA/SANDUSKY BAY GUIDED TRIP VAN #10: PICKEREL CREEK WILDLIFE AREA/SANDUSKY BAY GUIDED TRIP BECOMING AN EXPERT LISTENER - NATHAN PIEPLOW CELEBRITY WALK: KENN & KIMBERLY KAUFMAN SHELDON MARSH GUIDED WALK - YOU DRIVE / WE LEAD MAGEE MARSH GUIDED WALK OHIO YOUNG BIRDER WALK: BIRDING THE FAMOUS MAGEE MARSH OPTICS ALLEY POINT & SHOOT WARBLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHEN INGRAHAM, ZEISS TRAVEL TALK: ADVENTURE CRUISES FOR BIRDING & PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILDSIDE NATURE TOURS

WORKSHOP: BEGINNING BIRDING WALK MAGEE MARSH GUIDED WALK WORKSHOP: TALES FROM THE PLATFORM: HAWKS/HAWKWATCHING BY LUKE TILLER

PROGRAM: BIRDING HOTSPOTS AT THE BIGGEST WEEK, ROB RIPMA BIRDER'S MARKETPLACE KEYNOTE: BIRDING IN HOLLYWOOD - LILI TAYLOR EVENING SOCIAL - FREE REFRESHMENTS - FOR REGISTRANTS ONLY. MUST SHOW BIGGEST WEEK NAME BADGE TO PARTICIPATE. SKYDANCING: WOODCOCKS ON THE WING SKYDANCING: WOODCOCKS ON THE WING

SUNDAY, MAY 7 VAN #1: OAK OPENINGS PRESERVE GUIDED TRIP VAN #2: OAK OPENINGS PRESERVE GUIDED TRIP VAN #3: THE WILDS OF ERIE COUNTY GUIDED TRIP VAN #4: THE WILDS OF ERIE COUNTY GUIDED TRIP VAN #5: LEADER'S CHOICE GUIDED TRIP VAN #6: BIG DAY GUIDED TRIP VAN #7: BIG DAY GUIDED TRIP VAN #8: PRIVATE MARSH GUIDED TRIP VAN #9: NORTHWEST BAY PRIVATE LANDS GUIDED TRIP VAN #10: BIRDING THE METROPARKS OF TOLEDO GUIDED TRIP EAST HARBOR GUIDED WALK - YOU DRIVE / WE LEAD MAGEE MARSH GUIDED WALK OPTICS ALLEY WORKSHOP: BEGINNING BIRDING WALK TRAVEL TALK: FROM CHACHALACAS TO GREAT GRAY OWLS BY NATURALLY AVIAN BIRDING TOURS

MAGEE MARSH GUIDED WALK VAN #5: LEADER'S CHOICE GUIDED TRIP

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING 2017 SCHEDULE REGISTRATION IS OPEN THURSDAY, MAY 4 - SUNDAY, MAY 14, 8AM TO 7PM, AT MAUMEE BAY LODGE & CONFERENCE CENTER

Note: "FREE" means that the activities are free with festival registration. ACTIVITY WORKSHOP: IDENTIFYING SPRING WARBLERS BY STEPHENSON & WHITTLE WORKSHOP: PRINCIPLES & PITFALLS OF FIELD IDENTIFICATION BY KENN KAUFMAN BIRDER'S MARKETPLACE

FEE $10 $10 FREE

OTTAWA REFUGE OTTAWA REFUGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE

START 11:30 AM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 5:00 PM

END 12:30 PM 2:00 PM 8:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM

$12 $12

BLACK SWAMP MAUMEE BAY LODGE

8:30 PM 8:30 PM

9:30 PM 9:30 PM

$60 $60 $60 $60 $35 $60 $60 $60 $60 $60 $50 $35 $50 $15 FREE FREE FREE FREE $35 $10 $10 $85 FREE $15

MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAGEE MARSH WEST END PEARSON METROPARK MAGEE MARSH WEST END BLACK SWAMP OTTAWA REFUGE MAGEE MARSH WEST END MAUMEE BAY LODGE OTTAWA REFUGE OTTAWA REFUGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE

6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM

2:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 10:00 AM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 12:00 PM 12:00 PM 11:00 AM 11:00 AM 10:00 AM 5:00 PM 11:00 AM 12:30 PM 3:00 PM 12:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 8:00 PM 5:00 PM

LOCATION

$15 BOOK SIGNING/SOCIAL FREE EVENING SOCIAL - FREE REFRESHMENTS - FOR REGISTRANTS ONLY. MUST SHOW BIGGEST WEEK NAME BADGE TO PARTICIPATE. KEYNOTE: GOOD BIRDERS STILL DON'T WEAR WHITE - JEFF GORDON, LISA WHITE

SKYDANCING: WOODCOCKS ON THE WING SKYDANCING: WOODCOCKS ON THE WING

MONDAY, MAY 8 VAN #1: OAK OPENINGS PRESERVE GUIDED TRIP VAN #2: OAK OPENINGS PRESERVE GUIDED TRIP VAN #3: THE WILDS OF ERIE COUNTY GUIDED TRIP VAN #4: THE WILDS OF ERIE COUNTY GUIDED TRIP VAN #5: LEADER'S CHOICE GUIDED TRIP VAN #6: BIG DAY GUIDED TRIP VAN #7: BIG DAY GUIDED TRIP VAN #8: SOUTH BAY PRIVATE LANDS GUIDED TRIP VAN # 9: BIRDING PRIVATE LANDS OF THE LITTLE PORTAGE AREA GUIDED TRIP VAN #10: PICKEREL CREEK WILDLIFE AREA/SANDUSKY BAY GUIDED TRIP BIRDING BY CANOE FIELD OBSERVATION & SKETCHING WITH CATHERINE HAMILTON CELEBRITY WALK: TOM STEPHENSON & SCOTT WHITTLE PEARSON METROPARK GUIDED WALK - YOU DRIVE / WE LEAD MAGEE MARSH GUIDED WALK OPTICS ALLEY TRAVEL TALK: BIRIDNG & SAFARI IN UGANDA: THE PEARL OF AFRICA BY SABREWING NATURE TOURS

MAGEE MARSH GUIDED WALK VAN #5: LEADER'S CHOICE GUIDED TRIP WORKSHOP: THRUSHES AND THEIR LOOK-ALIKES - ERIK BRUHNKE WORKSHOP: BIRDING BY EAR: OUR NEW SYSTEM BY STEPHENSON & WHITTLE

INTRO NATURE/BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY, KEVIN LOUGHLIN (PART ONE - INSIDE) BIRDER'S MARKETPLACE KEYNOTE: ELUSIVE MIGRATION: THE MIGRATION ECOLOGY OF RAILS - AURIEL FORNIER

EVENING SOCIAL - FREE REFRESHMENTS - FOR REGISTRANTS ONLY. MUST SHOW BIGGEST WEEK NAME BADGE TO PARTICIPATE. SKYDANCING: WOODCOCKS ON THE WING SKYDANCING: WOODCOCKS ON THE WING

$12 $12

BLACK SWAMP MAUMEE BAY LODGE

8:30 PM 8:30 PM

9:30 PM 9:30 PM

$60 $60 $60 $60 $35 $60 $60 $60 $60 $60 $100 $0 $15 FREE FREE FREE FREE $35 $10 $10 $85 FREE $15 FREE

MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE OTTAWA REFUGE SHELDON MARSH MAGEE MARSH WEST END BLACK SWAMP OTTAWA REFUGE MAGEE MARSH WEST END MAUMEE BAY LODGE OTTAWA REFUGE OTTAWA REFUGE

6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 7:00 AM 6:00 AM 8:00 AM 7:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 5:00 PM

2:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 10:00 AM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 2:00 PM 1:00 PM 2:00 PM 11:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 10:00 AM 5:00 PM 11:00 AM 12:30 PM 3:00 PM 12:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 8:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM

$12 $12

BLACK SWAMP MAUMEE BAY LODGE

8:30 PM 8:30 PM

9:30 PM 9:30 PM

$60 $60 $60 $60

MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE

6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM

2:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM

TUESDAY, MAY 9 VAN #1: OAK OPENINGS PRESERVE GUIDED TRIP VAN #2: OAK OPENINGS PRESERVE GUIDED TRIP VAN #3: THE WILDS OF ERIE COUNTY GUIDED TRIP VAN #4: THE WILDS OF ERIE COUNTY GUIDED TRIP VAN #5: LEADER'S CHOICE GUIDED TRIP VAN #6: PT. MOUILLEE STATE GAME AREA GUIDED TRIP VAN #7: PT. MOUILLEE STATE GAME AREA GUIDED TRIP VAN #8: PRIVATE MARSH GUIDED TRIP VAN #9: BIRDING FOR BEGINNERS GUIDED TRIP VAN #10: BIRDING THE METROPARKS OF TOLEDO GUIDED TRIP MAUMEE BAY RAMBLE - BIRDING WITH PETE DUNNE, KENN KAUFMAN & KEVIN KARLSON

INTRO NATURE/BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY, KEVIN LOUGHLIN (PART TWO - OUTSIDE) SHELDON MARSH GUIDED WALK - YOU DRIVE / WE LEAD MAGEE MARSH GUIDED WALK OPTICS ALLEY TRAVEL TALK: THE NATURAL SPLENDOR OF PANAMA BY CANOPY FAMILY MAGEE MARSH GUIDED WALK VAN #5: LEADER'S CHOICE GUIDED TRIP WORKSHOP: FUNDAMENTALS OF SHOREBIRD IDENTIFICATION BY MICHAEL O'BRIEN

WORKSHOP: GULLS 101 - CHUCK SLUSARCZYK, JR. IMPROVING YOUR BIRD/NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY, BRIAN ZWIEBEL (PART ONE - INSIDE)

MAUMEE BAY LODGE

BIRDER'S MARKETPLACE MAUMEE BAY LODGE KEYNOTE: BIRDS OF PREY - PETE DUNNE & KEVIN KARLSON MAUMEE BAY LODGE BOOK SIGNING/SOCIAL MAUMEE BAY LODGE EVENING SOCIAL - FREE REFRESHMENTS - FOR REGISTRANTS ONLY. MUST SHOW BIGGEST WEEK NAME BADGE TO PARTICIPATE. SKYDANCING: WOODCOCKS ON THE WING SKYDANCING: WOODCOCKS ON THE WING

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10 VAN #1: OAK OPENINGS PRESERVE GUIDED TRIP VAN #2: OAK OPENINGS PRESERVE GUIDED TRIP VAN #3: THE WILDS OF ERIE COUNTY GUIDED TRIP VAN #4: THE WILDS OF ERIE COUNTY GUIDED TRIP

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING 2017 SCHEDULE REGISTRATION IS OPEN THURSDAY, MAY 4 - SUNDAY, MAY 14, 8AM TO 7PM, AT MAUMEE BAY LODGE & CONFERENCE CENTER

Note: "FREE" means that the activities are free with festival registration. ACTIVITY VAN #5: LEADER'S CHOICE GUIDED TRIP VAN # 6: BIRDING PRIVATE LANDS OF THE LITTLE PORTAGE AREA GUIDED TRIP VAN # 7: BIRDING PRIVATE LANDS OF THE LITTLE PORTAGE AREA GUIDED TRIP

VAN #8: SOUTH BAY PRIVATE LANDS GUIDED TRIP VAN #9: CATAWBA/MARBLEHEAD BIRDING HOTSPOTS GUIDED TRIP VAN #10: CATAWBA/MARBLEHEAD BIRDING HOTSPOTS GUIDED TRIP BIRDING BY CANOE IMPROVING YOUR BIRD/NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY, BRIAN ZWIEBEL (PART TWO - OUTSIDE)

WALKING WITH GIANTS: PETE DUNNE, KEVIN KARLSON, & KENN KAUFMAN

FEE $35 $60 $60 $60 $60 $60 $50 $0 $100 $15 FREE FREE FREE FREE $35 $10 $10 FREE $15

LOCATION MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE OTTAWA REFUGE MAGEE MARSH WEST END EAST HARBOR STATE PARK MAGEE MARSH WEST END BLACK SWAMP OTTAWA REFUGE MAGEE MARSH WEST END MAUMEE BAY LODGE OTTAWA REFUGE OTTAWA REFUGE

START 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 7:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM

END 10:00 AM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 12:00 PM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 11:00 AM 10:00 AM 5:00 PM 11:00 AM 12:30 PM 3:00 PM 12:30 PM 2:00 PM 8:00 PM 5:00 PM

EAST HARBOR GUIDED WALK - YOU DRIVE / WE LEAD MAGEE MARSH GUIDED WALK OPTICS ALLEY TRAVEL TALK: BIRDING CUBA BY NATURE IS AWESOME MAGEE MARSH GUIDED WALK VAN #5: LEADER'S CHOICE GUIDED TRIP WORKSHOP: THE MUSIC OF BIRDSONG BY LISA RAINSONG PROGRAM: TOP 10 TIPS FOR ENGAGING YOUNG BIRDERS, LAURA GUERARD BIRDER'S MARKETPLACE MAUMEE BAY LODGE KEYNOTE: MONARCH MIGRATION - LOUISE ZEMAITIS MAUMEE BAY LODGE EVENING SOCIAL - FREE REFRESHMENTS - FOR REGISTRANTS ONLY. MUST SHOW BIGGEST WEEK NAME BADGE TO PARTICIPATE. SKYDANCING: WOODCOCKS ON THE WING SKYDANCING: WOODCOCKS ON THE WING

$12 $12

BLACK SWAMP MAUMEE BAY LODGE

8:30 PM 8:30 PM

9:30 PM 9:30 PM

$60 $60 $60 $60 $35 $60 $60 $60 $60 $60 $35 $25 $15 FREE $25 FREE FREE FREE $35 $10 $10 $85 FREE $15 FREE FREE FREE

MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAGEE MARSH EAST END OTTAWA REFUGE PEARSON METROPARK MAGEE MARSH WEST END MAGEE MARSH EAST END BLACK SWAMP OTTAWA REFUGE MAGEE MARSH WEST END MAUMEE BAY LODGE OTTAWA REFUGE OTTAWA REFUGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE

6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM

2:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 10:00 AM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 11:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 5:00 PM 11:00 AM 12:30 PM 3:00 PM 12:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 8:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 10:00 PM

THURSDAY, MAY 11 VAN #1: OAK OPENINGS PRESERVE GUIDED TRIP VAN #2: OAK OPENINGS PRESERVE GUIDED TRIP VAN #3: THE WILDS OF ERIE COUNTY GUIDED TRIP VAN #4: THE WILDS OF ERIE COUNTY GUIDED TRIP VAN #5: LEADER'S CHOICE GUIDED TRIP VAN #6: PT. MOUILLEE STATE GAME AREA GUIDED TRIP VAN #7: PT. MOUILLEE STATE GAME AREA GUIDED TRIP VAN #8: NORTHWEST BAY PRIVATE LANDS GUIDED TRIP VAN #9: PICKEREL CREEK WILDLIFE AREA/SANDUSKY BAY GUIDED TRIP VAN #10: PICKEREL CREEK WILDLIFE AREA/SANDUSKY BAY GUIDED TRIP SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW YOUR WARBLERS: FIELD WORKSHOP - KEVIN KARLSON

DIGISCOPING WORKSHOP, CLAY TAYLOR PEARSON METROPARK GUIDED WALK - YOU DRIVE / WE LEAD MAGEE MARSH GUIDED WALK POINT & SHOOT WARBLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHEN INGRAHAM, ZEISS OPTICS ALLEY TRAVEL TALK: AUSTRALIA'S EAST COAST: BIRDS & OTHER WILDLIFE BY BIRDING ECOTOURS

MAGEE MARSH GUIDED WALK VAN #5: LEADER'S CHOICE GUIDED TRIP SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW YOUR WARBLERS: CLASSROOM WORKSHOP - KEVIN KARLSON

WORKSHOP: PRINCIPLES & PITFALLS OF FIELD IDENTIFICATION BY KENN KAUFMAN

INTRO NATURE/BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY, KEVIN LOUGHLIN (PART ONE - INSIDE) BIRDER'S MARKETPLACE KEYNOTE: BIRD WORLD: INSIGHTS FOR HUMANS FROM BIRDS - NOAH STRYCKER

BOOK SIGNING/SOCIAL BIRD TATTOO CONTEST KARAOKE

EVENING SOCIAL - FREE REFRESHMENTS - FOR REGISTRANTS ONLY. MUST SHOW BIGGEST WEEK NAME BADGE TO PARTICIPATE. SKYDANCING: WOODCOCKS ON THE WING SKYDANCING: WOODCOCKS ON THE WING

$12 $12

BLACK SWAMP MAUMEE BAY LODGE

8:30 PM 8:30 PM

9:30 PM 9:30 PM

$60 $60 $60 $60 $35 $60 $60 $60 $60 $60 $50

MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE

6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 7:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM

2:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 10:00 AM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 2:00 PM 1:00 PM 2:00 PM 12:00 PM

$0 $85 $35

OTTAWA REFUGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE MAUMEE BAY LODGE

7:00 AM 7:00 AM 8:00 AM

10:00 AM 12:00 PM 12:00 PM

FRIDAY, MAY 12 VAN #1: OAK OPENINGS PRESERVE GUIDED TRIP VAN #2: OAK OPENINGS PRESERVE GUIDED TRIP VAN #3: THE WILDS OF ERIE COUNTY GUIDED TRIP VAN #4: THE WILDS OF ERIE COUNTY GUIDED TRIP VAN #5: LEADER'S CHOICE GUIDED TRIP VAN #6: BIG DAY GUIDED TRIP VAN #7: BIG DAY GUIDED TRIP VAN #8: PRIVATE MARSH GUIDED TRIP VAN #9: BIRDING FOR BEGINNERS GUIDED TRIP VAN #10: BIRDING THE METROPARKS OF TOLEDO GUIDED TRIP BIRDING BY CANOE

FRIDAY, MAY 12 (Cont'd) INTRO NATURE/BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY, KEVIN LOUGHLIN (PART TWO - OUTSIDE) PHOTOGRAPHY AND PROCESSING WORKSHOP, CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR FIELD OBSERVATION & SKETCHING WITH CATHERINE HAMILTON

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING 2017 SCHEDULE REGISTRATION IS OPEN THURSDAY, MAY 4 - SUNDAY, MAY 14, 8AM TO 7PM, AT MAUMEE BAY LODGE & CONFERENCE CENTER

Note: "FREE" means that the activities are free with festival registration. ACTIVITY

FEE

LOCATION

START

END

$60 $60 $60 $60 $35 $60 $60 $60 $60 $60 $15 FREE FREE FREE FREE $35 $10 FREE $15

6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM

2:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 10:00 AM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 11:00 AM 10:00 AM 5:00 PM 11:00 AM 12:30 PM 3:00 PM 2:00 PM 8:00 PM 5:00 PM

$12 $12

BLACK SWAMP MAUMEE BAY LODGE

8:30 PM 8:30 PM

9:30 PM 9:30 PM

$60 $60 $60 $60 $60 $60 $60 $60 $60 $60 $35 $50 $15 FREE FREE FREE $25 FREE FREE FREE $10 $10 FREE $15

6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 7:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:30 AM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM

$12 $12

BLACK SWAMP MAUMEE BAY LODGE

8:30 PM 8:30 PM

9:30 PM 9:30 PM

$60 $60 $60 $60 $35 $60 $60 $60 $60 $60 $15 FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE $35

6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 6:00 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM

2:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 10:00 AM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 2:00 PM 11:00 AM 10:00 AM 5:00 PM 12:00 PM 11:00 AM 12:30 PM 3:00 PM

MAGEE MARSH GUIDED WALK VAN #5: LEADER'S CHOICE GUIDED TRIP PROGRAM: NEOTROPICAL WAVES OF SPRING MIGRATION BY MARK SHIELDCASTLE

WORKSHOP: BEGINNING BIRDING WALK MAGEE MARSH GUIDED WALK WORKSHOP: TALES FROM THE PLATFORM: HAWKS/HAWKWATCHING BY LUKE TILLER

MAGEE MARSH GUIDED WALK VAN #5: LEADER'S CHOICE GUIDED TRIP

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

THE BIGGEST WEEK ACTIVITIES THAT ARE FREE AND OPEN TO EVERYONE! FAMILY BIRD WALK Date: Sunday, May 14 Time: 10 AM to Noon Location: Pearson Metropark 761 Lallendorf Rd. Oregon, OH 43616 Meet in Parking Lot #4

THE BIGGEST WEEK BIRD TATTOO CONTEST T Thursday, May 11, 6 PM e Center Cent Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference

A great way to celebrate Mother’s Day this year! Bring the whole family (all ages welcome) for this enjoyable, family-paced walk in one of the area's great parks! BEGINNING BIRDING WALKS Date: May 6, May 7, and May 13 Time: 10 AM to Noon Location: Pearson Metropark 761 Lallendorf Rd. Oregon, OH 43616 Meet in Parking Lot #4

There WILL be prizes and they WILL be awesome! So prepare to display your bird tattoo (publicly shareable, please!) and share the story behind it. Impress our judges for your chance at fabulous prizes! The tattoo contest will be followed once again by BIRDER KARAOKE!

YOUNG BIRDER WALK: BIRDING THE FAMOUS MAGEE MARSH

In these fun and easy workshops, our leaders will share everything you need to know to get started birdwatching. These workshops are FREE and open to the public! No registration required. A limited number of binoculars and field guides will be available to borrow.

BIRDER’S MARKETPLACE Daily from May 5 - 13 Time: 3 PM to 8 PM Location: Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center 1750 Park Rd 2, Oregon, OH 43616 The Birder's Marketplace, in the lobby of Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center, will offer a variety of bird—and nature—related items, birding travel information, optics dealers, crafts, birding wear and gear, and much more.

For more information about the activities listed on this page, visit www.bwiab.com, call Black Swamp Bird Observatory at 419-898-4070, or email staff@bsbo.org

Date: May 6 and May 13 Time: 9 AM to Noon Location: Meet in the parking lot at east end of the Magee Marsh Wildlife Boardwalk Area 13229 West State Route 2 Oak Harbor, Ohio Call 419-898-4070 if you have any questions * Parents welcome! ** Please bring your lunch! The Magee Marsh Wildlife Area is famous for the sensational birding during spring migration! Join young birders from all over the state and the country and meet some really cool field trip leaders too!

TOM BARTLETT’S BIG SIT Date: Saturday, May 13 (International Migratory Bird Day) Time: 5 AM to 5 PM Location: Magee Marsh (near west end of boardwalk) 13229 West State Route 2 / Oak Harbor, OH For 22 years, Tom Bartlett has conducted a Big Sit fundraiser for Black Swamp Bird Observatory’s (BSBO) education programs. Stop by and visit, help Tom spot some birds, and make your pledge to support BSBO’s education programs!

JUST GO BIRDING! If you live in the area, we want to remind you that (although we hope you WILL) you don’t have to register for the festival to come out and enjoy birding! Most of the best birding areas are free and open to the public. And with so many knowledgeable birders around always willing to share advice and birding tips, you’re sure to see wonderful birds and have a great time! Visit Black Swamp Bird Observatory for all the latest birding information. 13551 W. St. Rt. 2 Oak Harbor, OH 43449 (Just inside the entrance to Magee Marsh).

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING 2017

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

THE BIGGEST WEEK ACTIVITIES HOSTED BY OTTAWA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Tours

Programs

Cedar Point Bus & Van Tours Date: May 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 Time: Bus: 7 AM to 11 AM, Van: 8 AM to 12 PM Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Please call 419-898-0014 for reservations Enjoy spring migration while exploring Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge!

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge FISH TALES programs offer the opportunity to learn more about our national wildlife refuge system and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conservation work here in Ohio – and beyond! Date: Programs offered daily, May 5 - 14 Topic: Topics vary by day Time: 3 PM Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Reservations: No reservations necessary

Navarre Marsh Bus & Van Tours Date: May 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Time: Bus: 1 PM to 4 PM, Van: 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Please call 419-898-0014 for reservations Conservation in the shadow of a 500-foot nuclear power station cooling tower! Join us to explore this amazing 820-acre marsh; also the site where Black Swamp Bird Observatory conducts their bird banding research. Blue Goose Bus & Van Tours Date: May 6, 7, 13, 14 Time: Bus: 1 PM to 4 PM, Van: 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Please call 419-898-0014 for reservations Join us for behind-the-scenes access to closed areas of the refuge complex. Destinations vary depending on wildlife use and activity. Tram Tours of the Refuge Date: May 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 Time: 9:30 AM, 11 AM, 12:30 PM, 2 PM, 3:30 PM Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge First come, first served Enjoy the scenery and birds along the refuge hiking trails while riding on the refuge tram. These onehour tours depart from the Visitor Center.

Topics by Day: May 5 - Erie National Wildlife Refuge May 6 - Migration Research—Ottawa Nationall Wildlife Refuge May 7 - Migration Research—Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge May 8 - Red River National Wildlife Refuge May 9 - Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument May 10 - History of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge May 11 - History of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge May 12 - Red River National Wildlife Refuge May 13 - Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument May 14 - Erie National Wildlife Refuge

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge 14000 West State Route 2 Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449 Website: www.fws.gov/refuge/ottawa Phone Number: 419-898-0014

Twilight Bus Tours Date: May 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Time: 7 PM to 10 PM Location: Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Please call 419-898-0014 for reservations Join us on an evening bus tour of the refuge for a chance to see wildlife active at dusk and into the night. Destinations vary depending on wildlife use and activity.

OTTAWA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE WILDLIFE DRIVE 14000 W. St. Rt. 2 / Oak Harbor, OH 43449 Experience the refuge from the comfort of your r car! Dates: May 5 - 21, May 27 - 29 Time: Sunrise to Sunset et *Entrance gate closes 1 hour prior to sunset

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING 2017

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

THE BIGGEST WEEK ACTIVITIES HOSTED BY METROPARKS TOLEDO Coffee with and for the Birds! Adult beginner to advanced birders Date: May 4, 11 Time: 8 AM to 9:30 AM Location: Wildwood Preserve, Window on Wildlife Price: Free What winged jewels decorate Wildwood Preserve this season? Register for one or all of these weekly walks to look at migratory songbirds followed by a cup of bird friendly brew in the Window on Wildlife. Beginning Birding 101: Spring Migration (Adults) Date: May 8 Time: 9 AM to 10:30 AM Location: Oak Openings Preserve, Buehner Center Price: Free Are you curious about all the fuss over spring warbler migration? Never birded before and don't know what to expect? Take a naturalist led hike to learn the basics of birding and spring migration. Then stop at the Window on Wildlife to see some of the common birds of Oak Openings. Binoculars and bird guides will be provided.

̻Tour: Kayak Adventure Maumee River Eco̻ (Adults) Date: May 13 Time: 9 AM to 5 PM Location: Providence, Kimble’s Landing Price: $40 Follow the course of the mighty Maumee from Providence downriver all the way to Side Cut. Experience 15 river miles of incredible scenery and wildlife as you paddle with a naturalist guide and kayak instructor. Then hop on the Metroparks mini bus to shuttle back to your starting location. All boats and paddling gear provided; wear clothing and shoes to get wet. Difficulty: intermediate Skill required: intermediate Endurance required: intermediate

Metroparks of the Toledo Area Phone Number: 419-407-9700 Register for these programs at MetroparksToledo.com

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING 2017

Newest Metropark Coming to Lake Erie Shore Lumbering machines are sculpting a 1,000-acre park from former farmland near the Lake Erie shore, where paddlers soon will navigate kayaks and canoes around islands and hikers will search for birds from a dike-top trail.

of the original 300,000-acres of wetland remain, every acre counts!

Water quality is an important focus for Metroparks, which also restored wetlands at Pearson Metropark in nearby Oregon, Ohio. In September, the park system opened Middlegrounds When Howard Marsh Metropark Aerial view of Howard Marsh Metropark Metropark in downtown Toledo, opens next year at Howard Road and converting a former dumpsite into an urban greenspace State Route 2, it will be the second largest of the 15 where water runoff is filtered through a chain of ponds Metroparks of the Toledo Area, and the closest of the before reaching the Maumee River. parks to the lakeshore. Adjacent to Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area, Howard will be another link in a chain of publicly owned lands in the heart of the Warbler Capital. But there is more to the story. For over a year, Metroparks has been restoring the wetland habitat, an important gain for the health of the Great Lakes, where half of the wetlands have disappeared. In western Lake Erie, where just 10 percent

The park system owns five parks on the big river, as well as four in a corridor through the Oak Openings Region, a historical battlefield, regional trails and more in the Toledo area. Learn more at MetroparksToledo.com.

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

2017 Biggest Week Conservation Fund

Expand. Enhance. Enjoy.

PromoƟng the cause of bird conservaƟon is at the heart of The Biggest Week In American Birding. With generous support last year, The Biggest Week Team at Black Swamp Bird Observatory once again proudly presents THE BIGGEST WEEK CONSERVATION FUND. 100% of the proceeds donated to The Biggest Week ConservaƟon Fund will be used for improving and expanding habitat for birds. Our 2016 ConservaƟon Fund recipients were American Bird Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, and Black Swamp Bird Observatory. For more informa on and to learn how you can donate today, please visit our website at: www.biggestweekinamericanbirding.com/biggest-week-conservaƟon-fund Dona ons can also be made during The Biggest Week (May 5-14) at the fes val registra on table located in the Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center, or at Black Swamp Bird Observatory. Donors may also phone in a dona on by calling BSBO at (419) 898-4070.

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

2016 Conservation Fund Project Updates Great Egret Marsh Preserve in Ohio The Nature Conservancy’s Great Egret Marsh Preserve, located on Marblehead Peninsula, was established in 2013 to protect important coastal Lake Erie habitat. Located on the eastern edge of the former Great Black Swamp region, the preserve boasts high-quality wetland that once covered much of the area. Over the last 200 years, more than 90 percent of the region’s wetlands have been drained to create agricultural lands—including Great Egret Marsh— leaving behind li le habitat for wildlife. These wetlands are important stopover sites for millions of birds that migrate through the region. Using public and private funding, The Nature Conservancy is restoring habitat for birds and other wildlife at the preserve, including: x

Plan ng more than 15,000 na ve trees and shrubs on a former agricultural field.

Removing invasive plant species.

Installing new water control mechanisms and rehabilita ng damaged dikes to improve wetland habitat.

The 2016 Biggest Week ConservaƟon Fund is also allowing The Nature Conservancy to restore important migratory bird habitat at Great Egret Marsh. Specifically, these funds are being used to plant four acres of na ve shrub habitat along the edge of the preserve’s wetlands to benefit songbirds—including warblers.

Buenaventura Reserve in Ecuador With support from the 2016 Biggest Week ConservaƟon Fund, and matching support from the Ecuadorian government, American Bird Conservancy and its on-the-ground partner, Jocotoco Founda on, are plan ng 25,000 na ve trees at Buenaventura Reserve in the Ecuadorian Andes. The plan ngs are expected to be completed in early 2017 and will provide ideal habitat to recovering bird popula ons. Home to over 30 species of threatened and endemic birds, Buenaventura safeguards year-round habitat for rare resident birds like the El Oro Parakeet, while also providing winter habitat for migratory birds including Broad-winged Hawk, Canada Warbler, and Swainson’s Thrush. In addi on to the exis ng 5,800 plus acres, ABC and Jocotoco are in the final stages of expanding the reserve by another 97 acres. In this region, where ca le grazing is the primary economic ac vity, Buenaventura represents the only protected area for wildlife. Therefore, supporters and partners take any opportunity to improve and expand the buﬀer zone of this biodiversity-rich reserve!

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Bald Eagle Nests at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area x x x x x x x x x

Bald Eagles have been removed from the Endangered Species list….a true success story! 2016 surveys showed an es ma on of 207 nests producing 327 young Eagles are s ll protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protec on Act. All migratory bird nests are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. There are 3 eagle nests on Magee Marsh that require protec on during the spring birding season. A buffer area has been posted around each of the nests. Entering the buffer area is prohibited…..Please respect the signs! The roadway leading to the boardwalk parking areas will remain open. The buffer around the new nest (just north of the east entrance to the boardwalk) will reduce parking space...please car pool when possible.

PLEASE REMEMBER: Magee Marsh is a state wildlife area managed for the state’s fish and wildlife resources. The primary purpose for the area is to provide needed habitat for migratory birds and wetland dependent wildlife species. Wildlife recrea onal opportuni es, while very important, are secondary to habitat goals. In addi on to the Bald eagle nest buﬀers, some areas are closed to visitors to reduce disturbance to the species in the area. Please stay out of these closed areas to prevent further restric ons to visitors. YOU CAN HELP! Magee Marsh Wildlife Area is managed through funds generated by the sale of hun ng and fishing licenses, wetland habitat stamps and associated permits. Wildlife Restora on dollars also significantly contribute toward this purpose. You can help support the management of this area and provide for the con nued birding opportunity by purchasing an Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp and a Federal Duck Stamp. Visit wildohio.gov for more informa on. The birds would certainly appreciate it!

Blackberry Corner Tavern The

5975 N. Elliston Rd. • Martin, OH Open for Breakfast Wed.-Sun. 6 a.m.

Breakfast Buffet every Sun. 8-Noon Beer • Wine • Sandwiches Soups • Pies • Pizza Made-to-Order

419-836-8377

Mon.-Wed.-Thurs. 10 am - 10 pm Fri.-Sat. 8 am - 11 pm Sun. 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. Closed Tuesday Owner: Brenda Lowe

Good Drinks • Good Food • Good Times Eat-In or Carryout • Catering Available • Homemade Desserts

Join us to celebrate and thank the donors of the Boardwalk Renovation Project

GREEN’S PHARMACY

Division of Wildlife, Friends of Magee Marsh,

"C Caring for you and abou ut you!"

& the boardwalk contractors

Hear short presentations from the

20 0 Ma adison Street • Downtown Po ort Clintton 419-732-3151 A Health Mart® Pharmacy

Weekly Specials World's BEST Chocolate Covered Peanu u ts and other fine chocolates! ALL American Greetings and Papyrus/Recycled Paper Cards www.GreensPharmacy.com

Date:

May 13, 2017

Time:

10:30 am

Where: Division of Wildlife tent at the west end of the boardwalk

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Fun Places to Visit

Kehinde WIley: A New Republic offers an overview of the artist’s proliſſc 14 year career. The exhibit will run until May 14. (Courtesy of Toledo Museum of Art)

Toledo Museum of Art

Visitors to the Toledo Museum of Art will Ànd one of the Ànest and most diverse collections of artwork in the country. Discover treasures ranging from ancient Egyptian pieces to contemporary art. On April 28 at dusk, “Alarm Will Sound” will perform John Luther Adams’ “10,000 Birds” on the Museum grounds. On May 14 at 2 p.m. in the GlasSalaon, seven pianists from across America tackle one of the 20th century’s most challenging works for solo piano, Olivier Messiaen’s three-hour Catalogue of Birds, which the composer divided into seven “books” each inspired by the songs of a European bird. Visit the website for descriptions and more info. 2445 Monroe St., Toledo 419-255-8000 or 800-644-6862, www.toledomuseum.org

Toledo Zoo T

The Toledo Zoo, vo voted a top familyfriendly destinafr tion and numberti one zoo in the naon tion, boasts over ti 1 10,000 mammals, Àsh, reptiles, amp phibians, birds an and invertebrates (Courtesy of representing over Toledo Zoo) 750 species. Each year, nearly one million people visit the Toledo Zoo to experience animals from across the globe, stroll the scenic grounds and explore

the historic WPA-era buildings. Zoo highlights include the Arctic Encounter, the Africa! exhibit, Nature’s Neighborhood children’s zoo, Tembo Trail and the recently renovated Aquarium, which offers unique opportunities to touch sea creatures and explore the mysteries of the deep. Stop by the Zoo and enjoy rare birds from around the world in the awardwinning Aviary which features some of the most sought-after bird species, including Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Blue-bellied Roller, Kagu, Laughing Kookaburra, Rhinoceros Hornbill and Cassowary. 2 Hippo Way, Toledo 419-385-4040, www.toledozoo.org

See more than 1,000 butterÁ Áies from North & South American and Asia in a beautiful indoor garden setting. Open May-Oct. 29. 11455 Obee Rd., Whitehouse 419-877-2733, www.butterÁ Áy-house.com

Imagination Station

Canal Experience

Tony Packo’s Cafe

The ButterÁ rÁy House

Imagination Station – Toledo’s hands-on science museum – promises to immerse visitors of every age in a multi-sensory experience that’s as fun as it is educational. Defy gravity riding the High Wire Cycle 20 feet above the atrium; or visit the Learning Worlds designed to focus on a speciÀ Àc science genre – Energy Factory, Mind Zone, Water Works, Little Kidspace, and more. A number of special exhibits and events are planned throughout the year. One Discovery Way, Toledo 419-244-2674, www.imaginationstationtoledo.org

Drift back in time at the Canal Experience and discover what life was like along the Miami and Erie Canal in 1876. Visitors can experience what canal life was like aboard The Volunteer, a reproduction of a mule-drawn canal boat. Other highlights include a visit to Isaac Ludwig Mill, Scenic Providence Dam and Lock #44, one of the last functioning 19th-century limestone locks. Providence Metropark, Old US 24 at SR 578, Grand Rapids 419-407-9741, www.MetroparksToledo.com

Toledo Botanical Garden

Sundance Kid Drive-In

Toledo Botanical Garden – which once consisted of 20 acres donated by George P. Crosby to the City of Toledo – now encompasses more than 60 acres of tranquility which serve as a living museum for plants. The Garden is currently a public/private partnership between Metroparks and the nonproÀ Àt Toledo Botanical Garden Board, Inc. in collaboration with the City of Toledo. 5403 Elmer Dr. Toledo 419-536-5566, www.toledogarden.org

Tony Packo’s Café

Tony Packo’s is world-famous not only for its Hungarian-style hot dogs, but also for the hot dog buns, which have been signed by movie stars, other celebrities and U.S. Presidents. Packo’s was also frequently mentioned by Toledo’s Jamie Farr on the TV series M*A*S*H*. In addition to the Áagship eatery, Packo’s has a location across from Fifth Third Field, home of the Toledo Mud Hens. 1902 Front St., Toledo 800-366-4218, www.tonypackos.com

The drive-in, located across from Pearson Park in Oregon, features two Àrst-run Àlms on two screens spring through fall. The 50’s-style drive-in offers all the nostalgia with the best in state-of-the-art Digital Camera projection and FM stereo sound. 4500 Navarre, Oregon 419-691-9668, www.greateasterntheatres.com

Museum of the Great Lakes

Located at the base of the Veterans Glass City Skyway Bridge in Toledo, the National Museum of The Great Lakes features more than 500 pho-

The Sundance Drive-In. Continued on page 52

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Fun Places to Visit Continued from page 51

1812 and the Battle of Lake Erie. Due to popular interest, the cannons from the 2003 movie, “Master and Commander: Far Side of the World” starring Russell Crowe, have been continued for another season. Open Tuesdays 5-8 p.m. throughout the year. April 1-Oct. 1, the museum is open Saturdays 1-5 p.m. Admission is free; donations appreciated. Harbor View Historical Society, Inc. 2083 Autokee St, Oregon 419-691-1517, HVHS.inc@gmail.com

Historic Genoa Artifacts at The National Museum of the Great Lakes tographs, 250 artifacts, 45 interactive exhibits and a 617-foot iron ore freighter that tell the awe-inspiring history of the Great Lakes and provide a unique destination for family fun. Experience “The Great Lakes: A Powerful Force,” take a simulated submersible camera to the wreck site of the Edmund Fitzgerald, tour the Col James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship (May-Oct), locate the Queen of the Lakes in Lake Ontario, stoke a steam boiler and much more. Hours are Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. noon-5 p.m. Closed Mondays and major holidays. 1701 Front St., Toledo, inlandseas.org

Brandville School

Built in 1882, the historic Brandville School has been restored and is now part of the Oregon-Jerusalem Historical Society complex. Brandville School houses artifacts from Native Americans who lived in the Great Black Swamp area of Northwest Ohio. There is also a military room with artifacts from all the major conÁicts in which the United States has been involved, dating from 1812 to the present. Open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays (excluding holidays) March–December. Call to arrange tours for groups of four or more. No charge; donations accepted. 1133 Grasser St., Oregon 419-693-7052, www.ojhs.org

The Town Hall looms over the village of Genoa, the bell tower visible for blocks. Originally built as the Genoa Opera Hall, it was constructed in 1883 and housed its Àrst performance in 1886. Built in the Gothic revival style, the structure features eight ornamental chimneys, and a hand-carved sandstone mask of Dionysius, the Greek God of theater, which rests over the main entrance. Genoa Privy, built to serve as Genoa’s Àrst school, is believed to be the only brick outhouse on the National Register of Historic Places. Downtown Genoa www.genoaohio.org

Elmore Depot

The Elmore Historical Society purchased 1860s Elmore Depot in 1981, along with 2.5 acres of land. The society undertook an extensive renovation, and the building now houses memorabilia from Elmore’s past. In 1983, society members dismantled, relocated and rebuilt the 1940s Heckman log house, adding an elaborate Áagstone Àreplace and porch, and furnishing it with artifacts from its era. Depot Park, Elmore 419-260-1282, www.elmorehistoricalsociety.com

Schedel Arboretum

The Schedel Arboretum & Gardens in Elmore, Ohio is a haven for experiencing peace and tranquility in a beautiful garden estate setting. Features of

the gardens include some 15,000 annual Á Áowering plants, themed gardens including roses, perennials, tropicals irises and peonies. Other features are a Japanese garden complete with waterfall, pools, lanterns, bridges and pagodas. There is also a world class bonsai exhibit containing more than 100 specimens. Regular hours through October, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday- Sunday 12-4 p.m. Closed Mondays. 19255 W. Portage River South Rd., Elmore 419-862-3182, ZZZ schedel-gardens.org

Woodville Historical

Woodville Historical Museum, operated by the Woodville Historical Society, features materials and artifacts documenting the rich history of the small village located on the banks of the Portage River about 20 miles east of Toledo on U.S. 20. Open March through mid-December, Wednesdays and Fridays 2 -4 p.m.; June through August, Wednesdays 6 – 8 p.m. and by appointment. 107 E. Main St., Woodville 419-849-2349

Pemberville highlights

Pemberville’s historic PemberFurry House and One-Room School takes visitors back in time to the 19th century. Featuring unique architectural details and authentic period furnishings, the house sits adjacent to the One Room School, where Pemberville’s youth learned “readin’ and writin’” at the turn of the century. Admission is free; open by appointment from spring through fall. 324 E. Front St., Pemberville 419-287-3274

North Coast Vets Museum

The North Coast Veterans Museum opened in 2004 as a tribute to those who have served in the uniformed service of the United States, especially those who have lost their lives in combat or training. The park also includes a Veterans’ Memorial, a Public Safety Services

Harbor View Museum

Located in the historical neighborhood of Harbor View in Oregon, the Harbor View Historical Society & Museum continues to attract visitors from across the country. The Historical Complex, in the former Harbor View Missionary Baptist Church, offers a glimpse of the War of

The home of President Hayes.

Schedel Arboretum and Gardens (Photo courtesy of Maggi Dandar)

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Memorial dedicated Sept. 11, 2016. The memorial features a 36-foot, 7,000-pound antenna that sat atop the North Tower of the World Trade Center; black granite meditation seats and a One World Trade Center Sculpture. Learn more at gibsonburgohio.org Williams Park, 411 North Main St., Gibsonburg 419-332-5912

Hayes y Presidential Library & Museums

Original White House gates lead the way to the nation’s Àrst presidential center and museum, the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums. The facility, built on 25 acres of President Hayes’ beloved “Spiegel Grove” estate, celebrated its 100th birthday in 2016. It houses the presidential library, the president’s home, museum and burial site. Through Oct. 8, 2017, the center will feature “Presidential Pop Culture: The Art of InÁ Áuencing Perception,” which gives insight into how popular culture shaped and inÁ Áuenced the public perception of presidential hopefuls – winners and losers. This lighthearted exhibit includes cartoons, toys, memorabilia and clips from movies, music and TV. Corner of Hayes and Buckland Avenues, Fremont 800-998-PRES (7737). www.rbhayes.org

Ottawa County Museum

Housing historical displays about Ottawa County, museum exhibits include Native American, early life and industries, Matthews Boat Company, Ford Tri-Motor, military history, Camp Perry and the “convict ship” Success and more. ADA accessible. Open Memorial Day-Labor Day Tuesday-Thursday noon-3 p.m.; Labor Day-Memorial Day, Wednesday noon-3 p.m. or by appointment. 126 W. Third St., Port Clinton 419-732-2237

Sauder Village

Connect with the past at Ohio’s largest living-history village located at 22611 SR 2 in Archbold. Enjoy guided tours, period craftsmen, hands-on activities like arts and crafts and several annual events including Spring on the Farm (May 13), Agricultural Adventure (June 13-18), Old-Fashioned 4th of July celebration (July 1-4), Fiddle Contest and Summer on the Farm

(July 15), Annual Doll & Teddy Bear Show & Sale (Aug. 5-6), Apple Week (Sept. 19-23), Fall on the Farm & Scout Day (Oct. 14), Annual Woodcarvers’ Show & Sale (Oct. 29-30) and Holiday Lantern Tours late November into early December. Other amenities include a restaurant, inn, campground, bakery and on-site shopping. 800-590-9755, www.saudervillage.org

Green spaces

Metroparks of the Toledo Area Metroparks of the Toledo Area preserves many of Lucas County’s most unique natural areas, from the Oak Openings to the Lake Erie coastal zone. • Pearson Metropark, located at 761 Lallendorf Rd., Oregon, is one of the last remaining strands of the Great Black Swamp, a notorious forest that once blanketed much of Northwest Ohio. The thick woods and location close to Lake Erie make Pearson a favorite stopover for a wide variety of migrating birds. Open 7 a.m. until dark every day; extended hours for winter recreation. Located in Pearson North, the Johlin Cabin offers a glimpse into homesteading in the 1860s in the Great Black Swamp. Metroparks of the Toledo Area 419-407-9700, www.metroparkstoledo.com • Maumee Bay State Park k at Ce Cedar Point and No North Curtice ro roads along the Or Oregon-Jerusalem To Township border of offers 1,336 acres of not only the ÀnÀ es est of recreational fa facilities in the M Midwest, but also a unique natural en environment creat ated by the conve vergence of the land and Lake Erie. The park features a two-mile elevated boardwalk plus an observation tower amidst swamplands, marsh, scenic meadows and woods that are teeming with wildlife and birds. Visitors will also enjoy lakeshore and inland beaches, a marina and an Arthur Hills-designed golf course and more. The Maumee Bay State Park Lodge and Conference Center offers lodge room and cottage accommodations designed with comfort and convenience in mind. 419-836-1466, www.maumeebaystateparklodge.org.

2017

• The Wood County Park District oversees several park facilities in the county, including Cedar Creeks Preserve, a 42-acre tract located east of Walbridge where Woodville Road (SR 51) crosses Walbridge Road. The park is an excellent example of the former Black Swamp that once covered a large portion of Northwest Ohio and includes hiking trails, a footbridge, picnic tables, restrooms and an information kiosk. 419-353-1897, www.woodcountyparkdistrict.org • The Sandusky County Park District operates 10 facilities, including the 93-acre Wolf Creek Park, 160-acre Blue Huron Reserve, the Mull Covered Bridge, the 310-acre Creek Bend Farm and others. White Star Park, located south of Gibsonburg on SR 300, has a quarry up to 40 feet deep that is used by scuba divers throughout the region as well as for non-power boating and Àshing; a beach and a campground located across from the park’s main entrance. 419-334-4495, 1-888-200-5577, www.lovemyparks.com • East Harbor State Park, 1169 N. Buck Rd off SR 269 in Marblehead, on the shores of Lake Erie. The park has unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation, including boating, Àshing, swimm ming, picnicking a and camping. N Nature enthus siasts will enjoy tthe abundance o of waterfowl, s shorebirds and o other species of w wildlife found in tthe park’s scenic w wetlands. 419 734 4424 1 419-734-4424, 1-866-664-6727, www.eastharborstatepark.org • Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, 110 Lighthouse Dr., Marblehead One of Lake Erie’s best known and most-photographed landmarks, the lighthouse is one of Ohio’s newest state parks. The grounds surrounding the lighthouse offer excellent views of Lake Erie, Sandusky Bay, Kelleys Island and South Bass Island. The park is open year-round. The on-site Keeper’s House Museum is open Monday-Friday noon-4 p.m. May 30-Sept. 5; the 2nd Saturday of the month 11a.m.-4 p.m.; every Sunday 4-6 p.m. June 5-Sept. 4. 419-734-4424 ext. 2, parks. ohiodnr.gov/marbleheadlighthouse

Religious sites

Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Genoa, features a grotto constructed Continued on page 54

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of “tufa,” fossilized vegetation found in the “blue hole” at Castilia, Ohio, and a ground-level statue of a praying Saint Bernadette Souberious looking admiringly at Our Lady. The grounds also include a small altar, an adjoining bell tower of tufa, arches and outdoor Stations of the Cross in hand-carved Italian bronze. 204 S. Main St., Genoa, 419-855-8501 Our Lady of Toledo Shrine Our Lady of Toledo Shrine is a place of prayer, quiet reÁ Áection and healing. All faiths are welcome. The garden and well are open during daylight hours. 655 S. Coy Rd., Oregon 419-697-7742, www.ourladyoftoledoshrine.com Holy Rosary Cathedral Holy Rosary Cathedral, the primary church of Roman Catholic Diocese of Toledo, is Spanish Plateresque in design – the only one of its kind in North America. Thousands have been inspired by the graceful beauty of its piers and arches, by the richly decorated nave ceiling with scenes from the Old Testament, the half-domed apse embellished by frescoes in the Keim process, and by one of its most striking gems, the Rose Window, which sparkles and radiates in the changing light of the eastern sun. 2535 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo 419-244-9575, www.rosarycathedral.org Sorrowful Mother Shrine The Sorrowful Mother Shrine features 120 acres of wooded splendor, plus grottos, the Sorrowful Mother Chapel, Pieta Outdoor Chapel, plus the Stations of the Cross. Founded in 1850, the original shrine is the oldest place of pilgrimage dedicated to the Blessed Mother in the Midwest and east of the Mississippi River in the U.S.A. Cafeteria and gift shop available. 4106 SR 269, Bellevue 419-483-3435, www.sorrowfulmothershrine.org

Holy Rosary Cathedral

African Safari Park

Come for a day of fun, education and entertainment at African Safari, home to hundreds of the world’s most beautiful and exotic animals. For one price, enjoy both drive-thru and walkthru safaris, plus animal rides, entertaining and educational animal shows, pig races and more. A gift shop, picnic facilities, a snack bar and café and grill are also available. Open through Dec. 4 (subject to change). Open daily rain or shine. 267 S. Lightner Rd., Port Clinton 800-521-2660, www.africansafariwildlifepark.com

Merry-Go-Round Museum

Located in the former U.S. Post OfÀ fÀce, the Merry-Go-Round Museum celebrates the history of carousels, the carvers who made the intricate horses and other animals, and enthusiasts who enjoy them. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, hours are Monday- Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday noon-4 p.m. Off-season hours are Wednesday through Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday noon-4 p.m. 301 Jackson St., Sandusky 419-626-6111, www.merrygoroundmuseum.org

Cedar Point

Lauded as “The Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” Cedar Point features 17 coasters including its newest, Valravn – the world’s tallest, fastest and longest dive coaster. Cedar Point offers fun and excitement for all with more than 150 rides and attractions. Families with young children will delight in the three kids’ areas, including Planet Snoopy. The famous beagle and his PEANUTS™ pals also perform and make appearances to meet their young friends. Guests will also enjoy a wide variety of entertainment and musical shows, such as the nighttime spectacular, Luminosity. Open daily May 6 through Labor Day and weekends Sept. 15 through Oct. 29.

1 Cedar Pont Dr. (off US 6), Sandusky 41-627-2350, www.cedarpoint.com

Ghostly Manor

A multi-attraction, family entertainment center, featured on The Travel Channel’s “Best Places I’ve Ever Been,” and Forbes’ “Top 10 Haunted Attractions” lists, Ghostly Manor features a scary haunted house; Ohio’s fastest virtual motion theater; a oneof-a-kind interactive 3D black light miniature golf journey; a skating rink; black light miniature golf; a skating rink and, for those 12 and younger, bounce houses and an indoor play area. Open year-round. Call for hours. 3319 Milan Rd. (US 250), Sandusky 419-626-4467, ghostlymanor.com

Great Wolf Lodge

An all-suites, full-service, indoor waterpark resort with family-friendly amenities that include rides and slides for kids of all ages, a spacious outdoor pool, arcade MagiQuest Live-action adventure, a performing Great Clock Tower, Scooops Kid Spa and more. 4600 Milan Rd. (US 250), Sandusky 800-641-WOLF (9653), www.greatwolf.com/sandusky

Kalahari Waterpark

Kalahari Resort offers year-round fun in its indoor waterpark, which features a 12,000 square-foot wave pool, the Swahili Swirl bowl raft ride, zip coaster uphill water rollercoaster waterslide, and Lazy River and more. 7000 Kalahari Dr. (off US 250), Sandusky 877-KALAHARI(525.2427) www.KalahariResorts.com/oh

Seneca Caverns

Visitors to Seneca Caverns – “The Caviest Cave” – can walk natural stone steps and pathways through “the earth crack” and past the Ole Mist’ry River. Shop Hollowrock Gifts for minerals, nature books and other gifts. Open daily Memorial Day-Labor Day; May and September through mid-October Saturday and Sunday by appointment. 15248 E. TR 178 (off SR 269), Bellevue 419-483-6711, www.senecacavernsohio.com

Seneca Caverns. (Courtesy of shoresandislands.com) Continued on page 55

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Fun Places to Visit

prisoned here. Open year-round, daily dawn-dusk. Gaydos Road, Marblehead www.johnsonsisland.org

Put-in-Bay

The Round House at Put-in-Bay m) (Courtesy of shoresandislands.co Continued from page 54

Lakeside Chautauqua

For more than 140 years, Lakeside, the Chautauqua on Lake Erie, has welcomed families to the Lake Erie shore to participate in the summer Chautauqua experience dedicated to nurturing mind, body, and spirit. The historic Lakeside community offers spiritual, educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities during its 11-week summer programming season and Memorial Day weekend. Quaint shopping and unique dining complete the experience. 236 Walnut Ave., Lakeside 419-798-4461, www.lakesideohio.com

Marblehead

Keeper’s House The oldest surviving home in Ottawa County offers visitors the chance to experience the history of lighthouse keepers. The 1822 home was the residence of the Àrst three keepers of the oldest continually operated lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Tours offered June 7-Aug. 31. 9999 E. Bayshore Road, Marblehead 419-798-9339, thekeepershouse.org Johnson’s Island Confederate OfÀ fÀcers Prison Cemetery The historic cemetery is the Ànal resting place of more than 200 of the 9,000 Confederate soldiers once im-

The Keeper’s House in Marblehead (Courtesy of shoresandislands.com)

Visitors have been Á Áocking to the village of Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island for nearly 150 years. Hundreds of thousands travel here annually to enjoy family-friendly activities, outdoor recreation and a large variety of special events. Families will Ànd plenty to keep the kids entertained including a butterÁ Áy house, miniature golf, gem mining, cave tours, arcades, a carousel and go-kart racing. 419-285-2832 www.visitputinbay.com Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial The memorial was established to honor those who fought in the battle of Lake Erie in during the War of 1812, and to celebrate the long-lasting peace among Britain, Canada and the United States. The park is open while the memorial undergoes maintenance. The observation deck is not available for tours in 2017. 419-285-2184, nps.gov/pevi Heineman’s Winery The oldest family-owned and operated winery in Ohio, Heineman’s was founded in 1888 by Gustav Heineman, an immigrant from Baden-Baden, Germany. Visit the tasting room and wine garden, sample award-winning wines and tour Crystal Cave, the world’s largest Celestine geode. Hours vary. 978 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay 419-285-2811, www.heinemanswinery.com

Kelleys Island

Ohio’s largest island, Kelleys Island is an outdoor enthusiast’s delight. Known for its amazing views, hiking trails, coastline and quarries. Getting around is easy with a variety of golf cart and bicycle rental companies. Marinas welcome visiting boaters, and ferries offer both passenger and vehicle transportation from the mainland. Abundant waterfowl can be seen, making this a popular spot for birding enthusiasts, and each year in September, thousands of monarch butterÁ Áies. 419-746-2360, www.kelleysislandchamber.com Glacial Grooves State Memorial The world’s largest accessible glacial grooves, embedded with fossils that are 350-400 million years old, are located on the north side of Kelleys Island, and can be viewed from a walkway and stairs. Open year-round

Jet Express. (Courtesy of The Beacon)

during daylight hours. 739 Division Street, Kelleys Island www.ohiohistory.org

Jet Express

High-speed passenger ferries from downtown Kelleys Island and Put-inBay from Port Clinton and Sandusky. Ferry service between Cedar Point, Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island also available. Service available May through October, weather permitting. 3 N. Monroe St., Port Clinton,101 W. Shoreline Dr., Sandusky 800-245-1538, www.jet-express.com

Miller Ferries

Ferries offer passenger and vehicle transportation to Put-in-Bay or Middle Bass Island from Port Clinton (Catawba). Ferries operate yearround, weather permitting. Limited free parking available. ADA accessible. 5174 E. Water St., Port Clinton 800-500-2421, www.millerferry.com

Historic Lyme Village

The past comes alive in the 16 buildings in this 19th-century village. Tours include an 1880s Victorian mansion, an 1836 farm home, log homes, a general store, a one-room school and more. The village is also home to the Schug Hardware Museum and the National Postmark Collectors Museum and Research Center. Tours offered June-August, Tuesday–Sunday and Sundays in September. 5001 SR 4, Bellevue 419-483-4949, www.lymevillage.org

The Miller Ferry. (Photo courtesy of Lake Erie Shores and Islands)

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Welcome Birders! Welcome Birders! We Bird rders rs!

MON AMI

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Stop in and check out our Selection of Wild Bird Feed and Feeders

2017

79¢

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Suet Cakes

Clear Powdered Nectar, 8oz

$1.97

Expires May 14, 2017

Perky-Pet No-Drip Hummingbird Feeder

$7.97

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THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

dŝƉƐ ĨŽƌ ƌĞƉŽƌƚŝŶŐ ďŝƌĚ ƐŝŐŚƚŝŶŐƐ Ăƚ DĂŐĞĞ DĂƌƐŚ tŝůĚůŝĨĞ ƌĞĂ ƚŽ Ğ ŝƌĚ DĂŐĞĞ DĂƌƐŚ tŝůĚůŝĨĞ ƌĞĂ ĂƚƚƌĂĐƚƐ ďŝƌĚĞƌƐ ĨƌŽŵ Ăůů ŽǀĞƌ ƚŚĞ ǁŽƌůĚ͘ dŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ Ă ŶƵŵďĞƌ ŽĨ ,Žƚ ^ƉŽƚƐ ƐĞƚ ƵƉ ŝŶ Ğ ŝƌĚ ƚŽ ƌĞĐĞŝǀĞ ǇŽƵƌ ďŝƌĚ ĐŚĞĐŬůŝƐƚƐ ǁŚĞŶ ǇŽƵ ǀŝƐŝƚ͘ DĂŐĞĞ DĂƌƐŚ ŝƐ ŽŶĞ ŽĨ ƚŚŽƐĞ ůŽĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ ŝŶ KŚŝŽ ǁŚĞƌĞ Ă ĐŽƵŶƚǇ ůŝŶĞ ƌƵŶƐ ƌŝŐŚƚ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ƚŚĞ ŵŝĚĚůĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĂƌĞĂ͊ dŚƵƐ͕ ƚŚĞƌĞ ŝƐ ŶŽ ͞ŐĞŶĞƌĂů͟ ŚŽƚ ƐƉŽƚ ĨŽƌ Ăůů ŽĨ DĂŐĞĞ DĂƌƐŚ͘ dŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ Ğ ŝƌĚ ,Žƚ ^ƉŽƚƐ ĨŽƌ ĞĂĐŚ ĐŽƵŶƚǇ͘ dŚĞ ƐŽƵƚŚ ƉŽƌƚŝŽŶ ŽĨ DĂŐĞĞ DĂƌƐŚ tŝůĚůŝĨĞ ƌĞĂ ;ŶĞĂƌ ZŽƵƚĞ ϮͿ ŝƐ ŝŶ KƚƚĂǁĂ ŽƵŶƚǇ͘ dŚĞ ŶŽƌƚŚ ƉŽƌƚŝŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ǁŝůĚůŝĨĞ ĂƌĞĂ ;ŶĞĂƌ >ĂŬĞ ƌŝĞͿ ŝƐ ŝŶ >ƵĐĂƐ ŽƵŶƚǇ͘ DŽƐƚ ďŝƌĚĞƌƐ ǁĂŶƚ ƚŽ ŐĞƚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŽĂƌĚǁĂůŬ ĂŶĚ ŵŽƐƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĐŚĞĐŬůŝƐƚƐ Ăƚ DĂŐĞĞ ĂƌĞ ƌĞƉŽƌƚĞĚ ŚĞƌĞ͗ DĂŐĞĞ DĂƌƐŚ tŝůĚůŝĨĞ ƌĞĂͲͲ ŽĂƌĚǁĂůŬ zŽƵ ŵĂǇ ƵƐĞ ƚŚŝƐ ,Žƚ ^ƉŽƚ ƚŽ ƌĞƉŽƌƚ ďŝƌĚƐ ǇŽƵ ƐĞĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŽĂƌĚǁĂůŬ ŝƚƐĞůĨ Žƌ ĂůŽŶŐ ƚŚĞ ǁŽŽĚ ĞĚŐĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ƐŽƵƚŚ ƐŝĚĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƉĂƌŬŝŶŐ ůŽƚ ĂĚũĂĐĞŶƚ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŽĂƌĚǁĂůŬ͘ Ɛ ǇŽƵ ĞŶƚĞƌ DĂŐĞĞ DĂƌƐŚ ĨƌŽŵ ZŽƵƚĞ Ϯ ƚŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ ƐĞǀĞƌĂů ,Žƚ ^ƉŽƚƐ ĂůŽŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƌŽƵƚĞ͗ ůĂĐŬ ^ǁĂŵƉ ŝƌĚ KďƐĞƌǀĂƚŽƌǇ ĂŶĚ dƌĂŝůƐ dŚŝƐ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ ĂƌĞĂ ĂƌŽƵŶĚ ƚŚĞ ůĂĐŬ ^ǁĂŵƉ ŝƌĚ KďƐĞƌǀĂƚŽƌǇ ŽĨĨŝĐĞ ĂŶĚ ǀŝƐŝƚŽƌ ĐĞŶƚĞƌ͕ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ĨĞĞĚĞƌƐ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ƚƌĂŝůƐ ƚŚĂƚ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƚ ǁŝƚŚ KƚƚĂǁĂ EĂƚŝŽŶĂů tŝůĚůŝĨĞ ZĞĨƵŐĞ͘ DĂŐĞĞ DĂƌƐŚͲͲDŝŐƌĂƚŽƌǇ ŝƌĚ ĞŶƚĞƌ Θ ,ĂǁŬ dŽǁĞƌ dŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ ĨĞĞĚĞƌƐ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ŝƌĚ ĞŶƚĞƌ ĂŶĚ ƚƌĂŝůƐ ŝŶƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŵĂƌƐŚ͘ DĂŐĞĞ DĂƌƐŚͲͲ ĂƵƐĞǁĂǇ DĂƌƐŚĞƐ ;KƚƚĂǁĂ Ž͘Ϳ dŚĞ ĐŽƵŶƚǇ ůŝŶĞ ĐƌŽƐƐĞƐ ƚŚĞ ĂƵƐĞǁĂǇ ŶĞĂƌ ƚŚĞ ƐĞĐŽŶĚ ƉƵůů ŽĨĨ ƐŽƵƚŚ ŽĨ >ĂŬĞ ƌŝĞ͘ DŽƐƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĂƵƐĞǁĂǇ ŝƐ ŝŶ KƚƚĂǁĂ ŽƵŶƚǇ͘ DĂŐĞĞ DĂƌƐŚͲͲ ĂƵƐĞǁĂǇ DĂƌƐŚĞƐ ;>ƵĐĂƐ Ž͘Ϳ dŚŝƐ ŝƐ Ă ƐŚŽƌƚ ƐĞĐƚŝŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĂƵƐĞǁĂǇ ŶĞĂƌĞƐƚ >ĂŬĞ ƌŝĞ͘ dŚĞ ďŝƌĚƐ͕ ŽĨ ĐŽƵƌƐĞ͕ ĚŽ ŶŽƚ ĐĂƌĞ ĂďŽƵƚ ƚŚĞ ĐŽƵŶƚǇ ůŝŶĞ ĂŶĚ ĨƌĞĞůǇ ĐƌŽƐƐ ŝƚ͘ ^ŽŵĞ Ğ ŝƌĚĞƌƐ ĐĂƌĞĨƵůůǇ ŬĞĞƉ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƉĞƌƐŽŶĂů ůŝƐƚƐ ďǇ ĐŽƵŶƚǇ͘ dŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ ƚŚƌĞĞ ,Žƚ ^ƉŽƚƐ ĂƐƐŽĐŝĂƚĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ďĞĂĐŚ͗ DĂŐĞĞ DĂƌƐŚ tŝůĚůŝĨĞ ƌĞĂͲͲ ĞĂĐŚ ĂƐƚ dŚĞ ƉĂƌŬŝŶŐ ĂƌĞĂ ĨŽƌ ƚŚŝƐ ďĞĂĐŚ ŝƐ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ĞŶĚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĂƵƐĞǁĂǇ ǁŚĞƌĞ ƚŚĞ ƌŽĂĚ ƚƵƌŶƐ ůĞĨƚ ƚŽǁĂƌĚ ƚŚĞ ŽĂƌĚǁĂůŬ͘ DĂŐĞĞ DĂƌƐŚ tŝůĚůŝĨĞ ƌĞĂͲͲ ĞĂĐŚ tĞƐƚ dŚŝƐ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ ďĞĂĐŚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĨŽƌŵĞƌ ƌĂŶĞ ƌĞĞŬ ^ƚĂƚĞ WĂƌŬ͘ KƚƚĂǁĂ EtZͲͲ ƌĂŶĞ ƌĞĞŬ ƐƚƵĂƌǇ dƌĂŝů dŚŝƐ ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌƐŚŝƉ ƚƌĂŝů ǁĂƐ ŽƉĞŶĞĚ ŝŶ ϮϬϭϮ ĂŶĚ ŽĨĨĞƌƐ ĂĚĚŝƚŝŽŶĂů ǁĂƌďůĞƌ ŚĂďŝƚĂƚ ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ ĞǆĐĞůůĞŶƚ ĂĐĐĞƐƐ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ƌĂŶĞ ƌĞĞŬ ƐƚƵĂƌǇ͘ DŽƐƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƚƌĂŝů ŝƐ ŝŶ KƚƚĂǁĂ EĂƚŝŽŶĂů tŝůĚůŝĨĞ ZĞĨƵŐĞ͘ zŽƵ ĐĂŶ ŚĞůƉ ŵĂŬĞ ƚŚĞ ĚĂƚĂ ŝŶ Ğ ŝƌĚ ŵŽƐƚ ŚĞůƉĨƵů ŝĨ ǇŽƵ ĐĂŶ ĂǀŽŝĚ ƚŚƌĞĞ ƚǇƉĞƐ ŽĨ ĐŚĞĐŬůŝƐƚƐ͗ x EŽ ƚƌŝƉ ůŝƐƚƐ͘ Ğ ŝƌĚ ƉƌŽƚŽĐŽůƐ ĂƌĞ ŶŽƚ ƐĞƚ ƵƉ ƚŽ ĂĐĐĞƉƚ ĐŚĞĐŬůŝƐƚƐ ƚŚĂƚ ƌĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƚ Ă ͞ĚĂǇ͟ Žƌ ͞ƚƌŝƉ͟ ĐŚĞĐŬůŝƐƚ ŽĨ Ăůů ƚŚĞ ďŝƌĚƐ ǇŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ƐĞĞŶ ŽŶ Ă ŐŝǀĞŶ ĚĂǇ͘ zŽƵ ƐŝŐŚƚŝŶŐƐ ĨƌŽŵ ĂŶ ĞŶƚŝƌĞ ĚĂǇ ŽĨ ďŝƌĚŝŶŐ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ďĞ ďƌŽŬĞŶ ƵƉ ŝŶƚŽ ĐŚĞĐŬůŝƐƚƐ ƌĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ůŽĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ ǇŽƵ ǀŝƐŝƚĞĚ͘ dŚĞ ŽŶůǇ ĞǆĐĞƉƚŝŽŶ ŝƐ ǁŚĞŶ ǇŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ƐƉĞŶƚ ƚŚĞ ĞŶƚŝƌĞ ƚŝŵĞ Ăƚ Ă ƐŝŶŐůĞ ĚŝƐĐƌĞƚĞ ůŽĐĂƚŝŽŶ ; ŝŐ ^ŝƚ͕ ǁĂůŬ ĂůŽŶŐ ƚŚĞ ŽĂƌĚǁĂůŬ Ăůů ĚĂǇͿ͘ x EŽ ĐŽƵŶƚǇ ǁŝĚĞ Žƌ ŵƵůƚŝͲĐŽƵŶƚǇ ĐŚĞĐŬůŝƐƚƐ͘ Ğ ŝƌĚ ƌĞǀŝĞǁĞƌƐ ǁŝůů ŶŽƚ ďĞ ĂďůĞ ƚŽ ǀĂůŝĚĂƚĞ ƐƵĐŚ ĐŚĞĐŬůŝƐƚƐ ĂƐ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƌĞƐĞĂƌĐŚ ĚĂƚĂďĂƐĞ ǁŚŝĐŚ ŝƐ ďƵŝůƚ ĨƌŽŵ ĚĂƚĂ ƐƵďŵŝƚƚĞĚ ƚŽ Ğ ŝƌĚ͘ x EŽ ŵƵůƚŝͲƉĂƌƚǇ ůŝƐƚŝŶŐƐ͘ /Ĩ ǇŽƵ ƐƉůŝƚ ƵƉ͕ ĂŶĚ ďŝƌĚ ƐĞƉĂƌĂƚĞůǇ ;ĞĨĨŽƌƚ ŝƐ ŶŽ ůŽŶŐĞƌ ĐŽŽƌĚŝŶĂƚĞĚͿ͕ ƚŚĂƚ ŝƐ Ă ƐĞƉĂƌĂƚĞ ĞĨĨŽƌƚ ĂŶĚ ƐŽ ĚŽ ŶŽƚ ĂĚĚ ƐŝŐŚƚŝŶŐƐ ŝŶƚŽ ŽŶĞ ĐŽŶŐůŽŵĞƌĂƚĞ ĐŚĞĐŬůŝƐƚ͘ /Ĩ ǇŽƵ ďŝƌĚ ůŽŽƐĞůǇ ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ ŝŶ ŽŶĞ ĐŽŽƌĚŝŶĂƚĞĚ ĞĨĨŽƌƚ ƚŚĂƚ ŝƚ Ɛƚŝůů ŽŶĞ ĐŚĞĐŬůŝƐƚ͘ ,ĂǀĞ ŽŶĞ Ğ ŝƌĚĞƌ ƐƵďŵŝƚ ƚŚĞ ůŝƐƚ ĨŽƌ Ă ŐƌŽƵƉ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞŶ ƐŚĂƌĞ ŝƚ ǁŝƚŚ ǇŽƵ ĂŶĚ ŽƚŚĞƌƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŐƌŽƵƉ͘ zŽƵ ĐĂŶ ƚŚĞŶ ĂĚũƵƐƚ ǇŽƵƌ ĐŽƉǇ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĐŚĞĐŬůŝƐƚ ůŝƐƚ ƚŽ ƌĞĨůĞĐƚ ǁŚĂƚ ǇŽƵ ǇŽƵƌƐĞůĨ ŽďƐĞƌǀĞĚ͘

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

dŝƉƐ ĨŽƌ ƌĞƉŽƌƚŝŶŐ ďŝƌĚ ƐŝŐŚƚŝŶŐƐ Ăƚ KƚƚĂǁĂ EĂƚŝŽŶĂů tŝůĚůŝĨĞ ZĞĨƵŐĞ ƚŽ Ğ ŝƌĚ KƚƚĂǁĂ EĂƚŝŽŶĂů tŝůĚůŝĨĞ ZĞĨƵŐĞ ƐƉĂŶƐ ƚǁŽ ĐŽƵŶƚŝĞƐ͘ dŚĞ ŶŽƌƚŚĞƌŶ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƌĞĨƵŐĞ ŝƐ ŝŶ >ƵĐĂƐ ŽƵŶƚǇ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ ƐŽƵƚŚĞƌŶ ƉĂƌƚ ŝƐ ŝŶ KƚƚĂǁĂ ŽƵŶƚǇ͘ KƚƚĂǁĂ ŽƵŶƚǇ >ƵĐĂƐ ŽƵŶƚǇ KƚƚĂǁĂ EtZ ;KƚƚĂǁĂ Ž͘Ϳ KƚƚĂǁĂ EtZ ;>ƵĐĂƐ Ž͘Ϳ KƚƚĂǁĂ EtZͲͲsŝƐŝƚŽƌ ĞŶƚĞƌ ĂŶĚ ŽĂƌĚǁĂůŬ KƚƚĂǁĂ EtZͲͲ ƌĂŶĞ ƌĞĞŬ ƐƚƵĂƌǇ ;>ƵĐĂƐ Ž͘Ϳ KƚƚĂǁĂ EtZͲͲ ŶƚƌĂŶĐĞ WŽŽů KƚƚĂǁĂ EtZͲͲ ƌĂŶĞ ƌĞĞŬ ƐƚƵĂƌǇ dƌĂŝů KƚƚĂǁĂ EtZͲͲsĞůĞƌ ZĚ͘ KƚƚĂǁĂ EtZͲͲ^ŚŽǁ WŽŽů KƚƚĂǁĂ EtZͲͲtĂůŬŝŶŐ dƌĂŝů WŽŽůƐ KƚƚĂǁĂ EtZͲͲtŝůĚůŝĨĞ ƌŝǀĞ ;>ƵĐĂƐ Ž͘Ϳ KƚƚĂǁĂ EtZͲͲtĂůŬŝŶŐ dƌĂŝů tŽŽĚůĂŶĚ KƚƚĂǁĂ EtZͲͲtŝůĚůŝĨĞ ƌŝǀĞ ;KƚƚĂǁĂ Ž͘Ϳ KƚƚĂǁĂ EtZͲͲ ƌĂŶĞ ƌĞĞŬ ƐƚƵĂƌǇ ;KƚƚĂǁĂ Ž͘Ϳ KƚƚĂǁĂ EtZͲͲ ĚĂŵ 'ƌŝŵŵ WƌĂŝƌŝĞ KƚƚĂǁĂ EtZͲͲ ŽƐƐ hŶŝƚ KƚƚĂǁĂ EtZͲͲ^ƚĂŶŐĞ ZĚ͘ Λ <ƌĂƵƐĞ ZĚ͘ ĂŶĚ KďƐĞƌǀĂƚŝŽŶ dŽǁĞƌ KƚƚĂǁĂͲ>ƵĐĂƐ Ž͘ ZĚ͘ ;KƚƚĂǁĂ Ž͘Ϳ KƚƚĂǁĂ EtZͲͲ<ŽŶƚǌ hŶŝƚ ;K,ͲϮ Λ ŽĚŝ ZĚ͘Ϳ DĂŐĞĞ DĂƌƐŚ tŝůĚůŝĨĞ ƌĞĂͲͲ ůĂĐŬ ^ǁĂŵƉ ŝƌĚ KďƐĞƌǀĂƚŽƌǇ Θ dƌĂŝůƐ

ZĞƉŽƌƚŝŶŐ KƚƚĂǁĂ EĂƚŝŽŶĂů tŝůĚůŝĨĞ ZĞĨƵŐĞ tŝůĚůŝĨĞ ƌŝǀĞ ŝƌĚ ŚĞĐŬůŝƐƚƐ ŽŶ Ğ ŝƌĚ /Ĩ ǇŽƵ ǁŝƐŚ ƚŽ ƌĞƉŽƌƚ ǇŽƵƌ ďŝƌĚ ƐŝŐŚƚŝŶŐƐ ƚŽ Ğ ŝƌĚ ĨƌŽŵ ƚŚĞ tŝůĚůŝĨĞ ƌŝǀĞ Ăƚ KƚƚĂǁĂ EĂƚŝŽŶĂů tŝůĚůŝĨĞ ZĞĨƵŐĞ͕ ƚŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ ƚǁŽ Ğ ŝƌĚ ,Žƚ ^ƉŽƚƐ ƚŽ ƌĞĐĞŝǀĞ ǇŽƵƌ ƌĞƉŽƌƚƐ͗ KƚƚĂǁĂ EtZͶtŝůĚůŝĨĞ ƌŝǀĞ ;KƚƚĂǁĂ Ž͘Ϳ KƚƚĂǁĂ EtZͶtŝůĚůŝĨĞ ƌŝǀĞ ;>ƵĐĂƐ Ž͘Ϳ dŚĞ ƐŽƵƚŚ ƉŽƌƚŝŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ tŝůĚůŝĨĞ ƌŝǀĞ ŝƐ ŝŶ KƚƚĂǁĂ ŽƵŶƚǇ͕ ƚŚĞ ŶŽƌƚŚ ƉŽƌƚŝŽŶ ŝƐ ŝŶ >ƵĐĂƐ Ž͘ zŽƵ ĂƌĞ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ĐŽƵŶƚǇ ůŝŶĞ ǁŚĞŶ ƚŚĞ tŝůĚůŝĨĞ ƌŝǀĞ ƚƵƌŶƐ ƌŝŐŚƚ ;ĞĂƐƚͿ ŽŶ KƚƚĂǁĂͲ>ƵĐĂƐ ZĚ͘ WůĞĂƐĞ ŬĞĞƉ ƚǁŽ ĐŚĞĐŬůŝƐƚƐ ŽĨ ďŝƌĚƐ ǇŽƵ ƐĞĞ͕ ŽŶĞ ĨŽƌ ĞĂĐŚ ƉŽƌƚŝŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ tŝůĚůŝĨĞ ƌŝǀĞ͘ dŚĞ ƐĞĐƚŝŽŶ ŝŶ KƚƚĂǁĂ ŽƵŶƚǇ ŝƐ ĂďŽƵƚ Ϯ͘ϰ ŵŝůĞƐ͖ ƚŚĞ ƐĞĐƚŝŽŶ ŝŶ >ƵĐĂƐ ŽƵŶƚǇ ŝƐ ϯ ŵŝůĞƐ͘ Ğ ŝƌĚ ƌĞĐŽŵŵĞŶĚƐ Ă ͞ƚƌĂǀĞůŝŶŐ͟ ĐŽƵŶƚ ƚŽ ĨŝǀĞ ŵŝůĞƐ Žƌ ůĞƐƐ ĂŶĚ ƐŽƌƚƐ ǇŽƵƌ ďŝƌĚ ƐŝŐŚƚŝŶŐƐ ďǇ ĐŽƵŶƚǇ͕ ƚŚƵƐ ƚǁŽ ͞ŚŽƚ ƐƉŽƚƐ͟ ƚŽ ƌĞƉŽƌƚ ǇŽƵƌ ƐŝŐŚƚŝŶŐƐ͘ ^ŽŵĞƚŝŵĞƐ ƚŚĞ ƌŽƵƚĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ tŝůĚůŝĨĞ ƌŝǀĞ ǀĂƌŝĞƐ͕ ƐŽ ǇŽƵ ŵŝŐŚƚ ǁĂŶƚ ƚŽ ƐĞƚ ǇŽƵƌ ŽĚŽŵĞƚĞƌ ƚŽ ƌĞĐŽƌĚ ƚŚĞ ĂĐƚƵĂů ŵŝůĞƐ ǇŽƵ ĐŽǀĞƌ ĨŽƌ ĞĂĐŚ ƐĞĐƚŝŽŶ͘ Ğ ŝƌĚ ǁĞď ƐŝƚĞ͗ ŚƚƚƉ͗ͬͬĞďŝƌĚ͘ŽƌŐͬ KŚŝŽ Ğ ŝƌĚ ,Žƚ ^ƉŽƚ ǁĞď ƐŝƚĞ͗ ŚƚƚƉ͗ͬͬŽŚŝŽĞďŝƌĚŚŽƚƐƉŽƚƐ͘ǁŝŬŝƐƉĂĐĞƐ͘ĐŽŵ

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Why drinking bird-friendly coffee matters! Most of the coffee sold in America today is destroying habitat that the songbirds we love depend on. Shade-grown, bird-friendly coffee is grown the tradi onal way—in the shade of na ve trees. But in recent decades, a new method of growing coffee, in the full sun, is threatening bird habitat throughout the tropics. Tanagers, thrushes, orioles, warblers, and many other songbirds, spend the winter in the tropical forest environments of shade-grown coffee farms. Sun-grown coffee—created by bulldozing na ve forests, scraping away any and all habitat for birds—is also gene cally modified, heavily dependent on chemical fer liza on, pes cides, and herbicides, and is not only a threat to birds, but a threat to the local workers who harvest the coffee. So how do you know if your coffee is bird friendly? Look for the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center’s seal of approval! The SMBC has developed strict scien fic cer fica on standards for coffee farming that is organic, shade-grown, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. The SMBC cer fica on is the best assurance coffee drinkers can have that the coffee they are drinking is helping preserve habitat needed by migrant birds. By BIRDS & BEANS® HAS A purchasing SMBC cer fied coffee you can become part of a LOCAL NW OHIO PARTNER... truly sustainable chain from seedling to cup. Be part of the solu on to a be er life for all and enjoy the best coffee you’ve ever tasted! BLACK SWAMP BIRD OBSERVATORY ABOUT THE BIRDS & BEANS® COMPANY Birds & Beans coffee is available Birds & Beans® coffee is 100%-organic and shade-grown, ensuring the for purchase in the BSBO gi shop at: conserva on of migratory bird habitat in La n America. The Birds & Beans 13551 West St. Rt. 2 mission is to make it easy for everyone in the USA to drink bird-friendly coffee. Oak Harbor, OH 43449 Drinking bird-friendly coffee does far more than save birds; it is a prac cal and (Just inside the entrance to Magee Marsh Wildlife Area.) delicious way to support true sustainability.

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

5 REASONS TO ALWAYS BUY AND DRINK BIRDS & BEANS Â®

SMITHSONIAN BIRD FRIENDLY, USDA ORGANIC, FAIR-TRADE CERTIFIED COFFEE:

Save Neotropical migrant and local bird species.

2. 3. 4. 5.

Conserve forest and habitat. Keep toxic chemicals out of the eco-system. Support farm families and local communities. Preserve healthy microclimates.

BONUS: OUR COFFEE TASTES GREAT! www.birdsandbeans.com

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

The stopover habitat in the Lake Erie Marsh Region is many things to many different birds and many different people. It’s an economic boon for the Lakeshore communities.

©Brian Zwiebel

It’s a place where life, joy, and beauty gather in epic proportions. Each spring, visiting birders spend $40 million in NW Ohio. It’s a great place to raise your kids.

It’s home to more nesting pairs of Bald Eagles than anywhere else in the lower 48 states.

THE LAKE ERIE SHORELINE IS NOT...

Adorable Black Tern nestlings banded in the Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area.

Camp Perry Air National Guard is making plans to install a wind turbine on their facility (not far from Magee Marsh and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge) with the end goal of opening up the Lake Erie shoreline in Ohio to commercial wind energy development. LEEDCo is proposing the experimental “Icebreaker” wind project for the open waters of Lake Erie off Cleveland with plans for more than 1,000 in the future. These places are for the birds - NOT for wind turbines!

...a place for these.

Help Black Swamp Bird Observatory protect the Globally Important Bird Areas of Northwest Ohio from poorly-sited wind turbines like the one proposed for Camp Perry! Get involved. Contact local, regional, and government officials. Make your voice heard. Help us be a voice for the birds!

Learn more at: bsbo.org/responsible-wind-energy

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

ABC supports Black Swamp Bird Observatory’s efforts to protect the Globally Important Bird Area of northwest Ohio from poorly sited wind energy.

Dr. Michae a l Hu utchins, Di D rector o of Am Amer eric ican n Bird Co Cons n er ervanc n y’ y s Bird-Sma martt Wind d En E errgy Pro rogram, answers some comm co mmon on que est s ions n aboutt win ind d energy gyy dev e el elop op pme m n ntt and itss imp m actt on n the h env n ir i on nme ment, pa p rt rtic i ular arrly bir irds ds.. Does Do essn’ n t cl clim imat im ate at e chan ch han ange ge pos o e a biigg g er thr hrea eatt to ea to bir irds d ds than th an n win ind d tu turb rb bines in nes es?? Glob G Gl lob obal al clil ma m te t cha hang nge ng e is som omet ethi et hing hi ng tha hatt we w sho houl uld ul d al alll be conc co ncer nc errne n d ab abou out, ou t but tha t, hatt do doe es not jus es usti tify ti fyy put utti ting ti ng lar arge ge numb nu mber mb erss of win er ind d tu turb rbin rb ines in es in se sens nsit ns itiv it ive iv e ar area eass fo ea forr bi bird rdss or rd failililin fa ing in g to mitig ittig igat ate at e th thei eirr im ei mpa pact ctss. ct s. W en it co Wh c me mess to win ind d en ener ergy ergy gy,, si siti ting ti ng is ev ever eryt er y hiing yt ng.. Much Mu ch of th he co confl nflic nfl flic ictt be betw tw wee e n wi wind nd ene erg rgyy de deve velo ve lopm lo pmen pm e t en and wi an and wild ldlilife ld liife cou ould ld be so solv lved lv ed thr hrou ough ou gh bettte terr si s ti ting ng and miiti tiga gati ga gati t on on, so why con nti tinu nue nu ep pu utt utt t in ing la l rg rge, e, bir e, ird d-kilillllin d-ki llin ing g wi w nd d enerrgy fac ener en acilillitties ie es wh wher e e ther er th her ere e ar are e ma majo jo or co conc conc ncen entr en trat tr atio at ions io ns of migra ig gra ati ting ng g or br bree eedi ee ding di ng g bir i dss or ne near a oth ar the er sen er ensi s ti si tive ve e habi ha bita bi tats ta ts? Ou ts? O r na ati tion tion o ’s bir irds dss sho oul uld not uld not be no b co ollla ate tera rall ra da ama mage ge e in ou ourr ba batt t le tt e aga gain inst in s clilima st m te ma e cha han hang ng ge. e. Don’ Do n’t ot n’t n’ o he er th thin i gs lik ike e wi w nd ndow ow w collli lission sionss an and d ca cats ts kill ts illl more mo r biirrd re dss tha han wi han w nd turrbi b ne es?? T ere Th erre ar are ma any hum man an-c n-c -cau ause au sed se d re reas a on as onss fo or b biird d mortal mo mort alit al litty th that att dw wa arf the imp arf mpac ac cts of wi wind ind tur urbi bine bi es an and d thei th e r as ei asso soci so c at ci a ed inf n ra rast s ru ruct cttur ure; e the e; hese ese inc clu l de de fre eeroam ro am min ing g do ome est s ic cat ats, s co s, olllilisi s on si onss wi with t gla th lass ss win ind dows, dows do an nd pe pest sttic icid ides id dess. Bu ut th t e im mpa act of wi wind n tur nd u bi bine ness an ne and d thei th hei eirr asso oci ciat ated at e inf ed nfrast ra ast s ru ruct ctur ure ur e is i farr fro rom m trriv ivia ia al.. The h los o se sess fr from om om all sourcess of o mortaliltyy are e cum u ulat attivve, e, and d ea ac ch ne eed ds to be addre ess s ed ed.

Photo by Lance Bellers, Shutterstock

Many of our most com ommo mon n bird d speciess are in decl c ine, whilile wh ile tth hreatened and endangered sp spec ecie iess ar a e att even grea gr ea eate ate er ri r sk sk,, siinc n e the e lo loss s of even a few can impact an en enti ntiire pop opul ulat ul atio at io on n..

Wher Wh ere’ er e’ss th e’ the e da data ta to pr prov ov ve th hat win ind d tu turb rbin i ess kil in ill b biird rds? s?? Ther Th ere er e ha have ve been ee en th thre ree re e ma majo jorr pe jo peer e -rrevie er evvie iewe wed we d st stud ud die es th that at have ha ve est stim imat im ated at ed bir ird d an and d ba batt mo mort rtal rt alit al ityy fr it from om wind in nd tu turb rbin rb ines in es in the Uni nite ted te d St Stat ates at es;; th es thes ese es e es esti t ma ti mate ted te d lo loss sses ss es num umbe berr a ha be half lf-lf millllllio mi ion io n or mor ore e bi bird rdss an rd annu nual nu ally al ly.. Fu ly Futu ture tu re e los osse sess ar se are e pr pred edic ed icte ic ted te d to inc n re reas ase as e to milillililion onss as mor on ore e tu turb rbin rb ines in es and pow ower er lin er nes a e bu ar builililt. t t. What Wh at can be do one to im impr prov pr ove ov e th the e si situ t attio tu ion? n? We mu usst st s re reng ngth ng then th e sta en tate te law awss an and d re repl plac pl ace ac e vo volu olu lunt ntar nt aryy ar fede fe de era rall g gu uidellin ines nes es for o win ind d en ener errgyy dev e el elop op pme ment nt wit ih mand ma ndat ator at oryy gu or guid idel ellines in s tha hatt le lead ad d to pr prop op per sit itin ing, g, mit i ig gat atio ion, io n n, and an d co c mp pensa en nsa sati tion on n for o una navo void vo idab able le los osse ses. s Our nattio ion’ ns n’ b rd bi rds ds (a (and n batts) do no nd ot be belo lo ong g to wi wind nd d ene n rg gy co c mp pan anie ies; ies; theyy bel th they elon ong on g to o the e Ame m riica can n pe peop ople op le and nd are hel e d in n tru rust s st forr th fo t is is and fut u ur ure e ge g ne nera rati ra tion ti ons. on s It is the s. he sta tate te and fed te e er eral all wild wi ldlililife ld fe age genc nc cie es’ s job to pr p ot o ec ct th hem in th the e face face of fa ramp ra mpan mp pan antt en ner ergy gy dev evel elop el op pme ment nt. nt An A Anot not o he er impo im mpo port rttan antt st step ep p wou ould d be fo or th the e fe ede dera ra al go ove vern rnme rn ment me nt to bett ttter enfor nffor orce c our nat ce atio ion’ on s wi wild ldliliife ld p ot pr otecti tion ti o law on ws, s inc nclu uding ng the End ng ndange d ered d Sp S ec cie iess Ac Act, t Bald Ba Bald d and Gol olde den de n Eagl Ea agl gle e Pr Prot otec ot ecti ec tion ti on Actt, an and d Mi Migr grat gr ator at orry B rd Tre Bi r at atyy Ac A t.. Fina Fi ina nalllll y, y we ne need e imp ed mpro rove ro rove v d tr t an a sp par are ency to tr en trul ulyy as ul asse sess sss the he magn ma g ittud gn ude off thi hiss grro ow wing ing ch chal alle lle leng ge to birrd co c ns nserrva v ti tion on. on Data Da a colle ect c iio on me eth ho od ds fo forr wi w nd nd ene nerg rgyy de rg eve vel elo lopm lopm pmen ments en ntss have ha ave e not ot been stan ndard da a diz i ed ed;; fu f rtthe herr, r, mos ostt da data ta are ta c lllec co ctte ed by paid d co c ns nsul ullta t nt nts ts a an nd re repo port po r ed rt e throu ou ough ugh the he indu in d stryy, a cllea earr co conﬂ nﬂic ictt off int n eres est. t. In mo most stt pla lace ace c s, s, the e data are conside ered secret and n are e nott share ed w wiith the public. This needs to change.

For more information: abcbirds.org/wind

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

Warblers are the best-kept secrets in nature. Tiny, active, and good at hiding behind leaves in the treetops, they manage to escape the notice of most people altogether. But once you discover the warblers, your springtime will never be the same again. More than fifty kinds of warblers are found in North America. They are small birds, averaging less than five inches long and mostly weighing less than half an ounce. All of them feed mainly on tiny insects. Most have bright colors or sharp patterns or both: they make up a dazzling galaxy of yellow, green, blue, orange, and other colors, with accents of black and white. More than three dozen species will pause in northwestern Ohio, bringing a touch of tropical color, assuring us that spring is finally here. While you never know exactly which warblers you’ll see, there is predictability to each species’ arrival. Through years of research, Black Swamp Bird Observatory has identified three “waves” of movement. While weather does affect actual arrival dates, these waves occur roughly the same time each year. Wave one at the end of April, is dominated by Yellow-rumped Warblers but includes Black-throated Green, Black-and-white, Nashville, and Palm. This wave can also include southern overflight species like Kentucky and Worm-eating. Wave two, usually between May 7 and 13, is known as the “big wave.” Dominated by Magnolia Warbler, this wave has the greatest diversity and includes most of the eastern warblers, with high numbers of Chestnut-sided, Blackburnian, and Bay-breasted. The third wave at the end of May is made up of mostly Magnolia Warbler, Mourning, and American Redstart. But also includes the sought after Connecticut Warbler as well as Wilson’s and Canada. For all these migrants, small woodlands along Lake Erie provide essential stopover sites, safe havens to rest, feed, and fuel up for the next leg of their journeys. These places also provide remarkable opportunities to see warblers up close, to revel in their colors and songs and sheer variety. We hope that this gallery of portraits will inspire you to seek out these magical little birds in this region that we call “the Warbler Capital of the World!”

2017

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Photos h b by Brian i Zwiebel: i b l www.sabrewingtours.com Text by Kenn Kaufman: www.KaufmanFieldGuides.com & Black Swamp Bird Observatory: www.bsbo.org

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

For the birds! ROOKERY CRUISE

Join Friends of Oƕawa NWR for a sunset birding cruise around West Sister Island, the largest island rookery in the U.S. Great Lakes!

Sunday, May 14, 2017 7:15pm - 9:45pm

Tickets are on sale now: www.friendsofoƕawanwr.org 419-898-0014 x13

West Sister Island National Wildlife Refuge

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

BLACK SWAMP BIRDS & BUSINESS ALLIANCE PROGRAM BSBO developed the Birds & Business Alliance program to raise awareness among local businesses of birding tourism in the area, and provide business owners with valuable information on offering quality services for the birding audience. The Alliance is also an important component of BSBO’s Conservation Business plan, creating a network that allows us to communicate birding and conservation information to Alliance members. The benefit to Alliance members is promotion of their business directly to the world-wide birding audience. There is a small annual fee to participate, and we’ve made a strong effort to make the program affordable—even for small businesses.

We encourage you to patronize the following businesses that support the Observatory. Please tell them that BSBO referred you and thank them for their support! HOTELS/B&B’S/ CAMPGROUNDS Oak Harbor Area Camp Sabroske Magee East Marina Summer Break Charters & Lodging

Port Clinton Area America's Best Value Inn Catawba Island Club Commodore Perry Inn & Suites East Harbor State Park Five Bells Inn Island House Hotel Lake Erie Fishing Adventures Lodge Lighthouse Lodge McKenna'a Inn Our Guest Inn & Suites Redfern Inn & Rocky Point Winery Rock Ledge Inn Cottages Sunnyside Tower Bed & Breakfast The Island House Hotel The Marshall Inn Bed & Breakfast Twitchell Cottage Victorian Inn Bed & Breakfast

Curtice Area Black Swamp Beds & Birds Lake Erie Lodge

Oregon Area

Courtyard by Marriott (Toledo/Rossford) Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Residence Inn by Marriott

Huron Area

Port Clinton Area

Oak Harbor Area

Jet Express Miller Boat Line

Imagine Metal Arts

AREA DINING & FOODMARTS

Bassett's Market Great Lakes Popcorn Co. Green's Pharmacy

Oak Harbor Area Barnside Creamery Kozy Corners Magee East Marina General Store Mill Street Brew

Oregon Area Eagle's Nest Sweet Retreat Maumee Bay General Store Maumee Bay Lodge Oregon Inn On Bayshore

Port Clinton Area Bassett's Market Catawba Island Club Common Grounds Cafe Crosswinds Restaurant & Bar Kokomo Bay Restaurant McCarthy's Restaurant & Pub Travelers Bar & Grill

Curtice Area

CHAMBERS & VISITORS’ BUREAU

Toledo Area

Millsite Lodge

SHOPPING

Blackberry Corner Tavern Crazy Lady Saloon DG's Ice Cream Jack's Superette

Holiday Inn Express Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center Maumee Bay State Park

Sandusky Area

TRANSPORTATION

Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Ottawa County Visitor's Bureau Destination Toledo Lake Erie Shores & Islands

Port Clinton Area

Oregon Area Maumee Bay General Store

Curtice Area Bench Farms Jack's Superette

Toledo Area Cullen Park The Andersons Wild Birds Unlimited

Vermillion Cheryl’s Fashion Boutique: The Alpaca Shop

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS American Bird Conservancy Cornell Lab of Ornithology The Nature Conservancy

SERVICES Oak Harbor Area Croghan Colonial Bank Lake Erie Tree Service Oak Harbor Dental Riverview Industries

Port Clinton Area Erie Shores Chiropractic Ohio Telecom WPCR & WPIB Radio

Oregon Area Maumee Bay Veterinary Hospital

Fremont Area Benchmark Prints

National

Gibsonburg Area

Birds & Beans Coffee

J. Conklin Consulting

BIRDING TRAVEL Birding Africa Birding Ecotours BRANT Canopy Family Cheepers, Birding on a Budget Naturally Avian Nature is Awesome Sabrewing Nature Tours Victor Emanuel Nature Tours Ventures Birding Tours Wildside Nature Tours

PUBLICATIONS Birds & Blooms Magazines BirdWatching Magazine Kaufman Field Guides

Toledo Area Point Place Business Association

National BirdsEye Birding Hunt's Photo & Video Jordan Specialty Advertising

SPORT OPTICS Time & Optics, Ltd. Canon Kowa Optics Leica Optics Maven Nikon Opticron Swarovski Optik USA Zeiss Optics

Sawmill Creek Resort

To learn how your business can be part of our Alliance, visit www.bsbo.org.

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

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Welcome to Oregon Ohio

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Quiet • Country • Elegance

Bayview B & B is an historic home situated on 20 acres and located adjacent to Maumee Bay State Park. On the shores of Lake Erie. Come and enjoy a blend of fine furnishings, antiques and whimsical treasures. Stroll the park like grounds, visit our unique perennial gardens or watch the clouds go by in the reflection of the pond. Pamper yourself in one of our six private rooms featuring fine linens, televisions and private baths.

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$5 Any VAPORS 15ml E-Liquid, limit 3 EXP 5/15/17

25% Off For All First Time Customers

20% Off Entire Order

EXP 5/15/17

•Smoke-Free Environment •Park like setting on 20 Acres •Fresh Baked Goods & Beverages •No Children or Pets Please •Gift Certificates

Offers cannot be combined. 9$3256 &20 ˨ ˨(&,* (3244) 4020 E. Harbor Rd. Port Clinton, OH 43452 419-734-3244

5226 Monroe Toledo, OH 43623 419-724-0001

513 E. Perkins Ave. Sandusky, OH 44870 419 625-3244

Bayview Bed & Breakfast and Tea Cottage

3308 Navarre Ave. Oregon, OH 43616 419-698-3244

Hosts Dee and Jim Davies 7250 Cedar Point Rd., Oregon, OH 43618 419-836-1444 • bayviewbandb.com

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THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

AMERICAN BIRDING ASSOCIATION CODE OF ETHICS Everyone who enjoys birds and birding must always respect wildlife, its environment, and the rights of others. In any conflict of interest between birds and birders, the welfare of the birds and their environment comes first. PRINCIPLES OF BIRDING ETHICS 1. Promote the welfare of birds and their environment. 1(a) Support the protection of important bird habitat. 1(b) To avoid stressing birds or exposing them to danger, exercise restraint and caution during observation, photography, sound recording, or filming. Limit the use of recordings and other methods of attracting birds, and never use such methods in heavily birded areas, or for attracting any species that is Threatened, Endangered, or of Special Concern, or is rare in your local area. Keep well back from nests and nesting colonies, roosts, display areas, and important feeding sites. In such sensitive areas, if there is a need for extended observation, photography, filming, or recording, try to use a blind or hide, and take advantage of natural cover. Use artificial light sparingly for filming or photography, especially for close-ups. 1(c) Before advertising the presence of a rare bird, evaluate the potential for disturbance to the bird, its surroundings, and other people in the area, and proceed only if access can be controlled, disturbance minimized, and permission has been obtained from private land-owners. The sites of rare nesting birds should be divulged only to the proper conservation authorities. 1(d) Stay on roads, trails, and paths where they exist; otherwise keep habitat disturbance to a minimum. 2. Respect the law, and the rights of others. 2(a) Do not enter private property without the owner's explicit permission. 2(b) Follow all laws, rules, and regulations governing use of roads and public areas, both at home and abroad. 2(c) Practice common courtesy in contacts with other people. Your exemplary behavior will generate goodwill with birders and non-birders alike. 3. Ensure that feeders, nest structures, and other artificial bird environments are safe. 3(a) Keep dispensers, water, and food clean, and free of decay or disease. It is important to feed birds continually during harsh weather. 3(b) Maintain and clean nest structures regularly. 3(c) If you are attracting birds to an area, ensure the birds are not exposed to predation from cats and other domestic animals, or dangers posed by artificial hazards.

4. Group birding, whether organized or impromptu, requires special care. Each individual in the group, in addition to the obligations spelled out in Items #1 and #2, has responsibilities as a Group Member. 4(a) Respect the interests, rights, and skills of fellow birders, as well as people participating in other legitimate outdoor activities. Freely share your knowledge and experience, except where code 1(c) applies. Be especially helpful to beginning birders. 4(b) If you witness unethical birding behavior, assess the situation, and intervene if you think it prudent. When interceding, inform the person(s) of the inappropriate action, and attempt, within reason, to have it stopped. If the behavior continues, document it, and notify appropriate individuals or organizations. Group Leader Responsibilities [amateur and professional trips and tours]. 4(c) Be an exemplary ethical role model for the group. Teach through word and example. 4(d) Keep groups to a size that limits impact on the environment, and does not interfere with others using the same area. 4(e) Ensure everyone in the group knows of and practices this code. 4(f) Learn and inform the group of any special circumstances applicable to the areas being visited (e.g. no tape recorders allowed). 4(g) Acknowledge that professional tour companies bear a special responsibility to place the welfare of birds and the benefits of public knowledge ahead of the company's commercial interests. Ideally, leaders should keep track of tour sightings, document unusual occurrences, and submit records to appropriate organizations. Please Follow this Code and Distribute and Teach it to Others The American Birding Association's Code of Birding Ethics may be freely reproduced for distribution/dissemination. Please acknowledge the role of ABA in developing and promoting this code with a link to the ABA website using the URL http://www.aba.org. Thank you.

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Natives

Bench Farms St. Rt. 2

FARM MARKET & GREENHOUSE Open Daily April - October Where gardening friends gather 9151 Jerusalem Rd. (St. Rt. 2) Curtice, Ohio 43412 (2 miles east of N. Curtice Rd.)

419-836-9443

Primitives • Unusual Plants

www.benchfarms.com

~Located in the barn~ Open Thursday-Sunday A country-primitive, gift shoppe

Welcome Birders

• Early Wares

Heirloom Vegetables • Unique Homemades • Rare Herbs

GO BIRDING. Experience the beauty & natural therapy of nature in Ohio whilst enjoying maximum comfort and great amenities. An ideal location for birdwatching in the Midwest, use code UY7 for special rate upon booking. Courtyard Toledo Rossford/Perrysburg 9789 Clark Drive Rossford, OH 43460 419-872-5636 ToledoRossfordCourtyard.com

Make room for a little fun™

608 MAIN STREET IN GENOA OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (No Breakfast on Mondays) www.rayzcafe.com

1101 E. BAYVIEW DR. IN THE VILLAGE OF BAY VIEW OPENS AT 11AM FOR LUNCH AND DINNER 7 days a week throughout the year! www.rayzonthebay.com

15 Craft Beers • Great Pub Food Full Dinners include Fresh Lake Erie Perch!

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Dining Guide • Panninis • Deli Sandwiches • Homemade Soups • Variety of 18 Salads • Party Menu Dine-in - Carryout - Delivery

3023 Navarre Avenue • Oregon Phone: 419-691-4888

Welcome Birders!

Come visit our Bakery & Deli! We have coffee too!

8037 E. Harbor Rd. Marblehead, Ohio

419-798-5203

WE NOW FILL PROPANE TANKS

hibachi & traditional dining sushi bar bar & lounge carryout available waterfront patio

WELCOME BIRDERS!

Check out our Menu & Entertainment Information at www.catawbainn.com!

4112 N. Crogan Street Port Clinton, OH 43452 419-797-2501 catawbainn@gmail.com

Corner of Routes 53 & 163 Port Clinton/Catawba

419-734-6400

Voted BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT -15th Year in a RowBuy Any Lunch or Dinner Entree and Get Second of Equal or Lesser Value for

HALF OFF

2072 Woodville Rd. Oregon, OH 419.693.6695 Sun.-Thurs. 11-9 Fri. & Sat. 11-10 Not valid with any other offer.

Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm Fri-Sat 11am-10pm

Fresh food kitchen Serving lunch & dinner rist ri s or st oran ante tee itali ta alian no Outdoor dining WEEK NIGHT SPECIALS 3880 Harbor Light Landing • Port Clinton/Catawba

nagoyaohio.com

Welcome Birders!

419-734-2426

www.ciaobellaohio.com

LAKE ERIE PERCH, SEAFOOD TACOS, PO BOYS & Other Goodies

5686 E. Harbor Rd., Marblehead 419-960-7894

419-732-2200 OPEN DAILY 7 AM-8 PM 2853 E HARBOR RD • PORT CLINTON

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THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Dining Guide Canoe Club WINE BAR

The Closest Restaurant to Maumee Bay State Park

Welcome Birders!

Come check out our Wine Bar, Wood Oven Pizza's & Pasta! 5831 E Ha 5831 Harbo rborr Road Road Ma Marbl rblehe ehead ad OH 434 43440 40 Corner Cor ner of 16 163 3 East E ast & 269 No North rth • 419 -960 96 0-7030 7030 www.Ca www .Canoe noeClu ClubWi bWineB neBar. ar.com com SUN –THURS THURS 4 –10P 10PM M • FR FRII & SA SAT T 4 –11PM 11PM

WELCOME BIRDERS! SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH

We also deliver 419•798•1700 306 Main Street Marblehead, OH

• Prime Rib • Steaks • Lake Erie Perch • Seafood • Salads

equal or lesser value with coupon Exp. 5-31-17

$3. $

Off

with $25.00 Food Purchase

With coupon only. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 5-31-17

Check out our Facebook Page for more specials. Serving you for 50 years

2502 Navarre Ave • Oregon 419-693-2277

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Open daily 7am Happy Hour 2-6pm

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113 W. Main Street Lakeside-Marblehead 419-798-5356 www.marbleheadgalley.com

Hours

Monday Special

8 oz. Ribeye & Baked Potato

$9.99

2080 Woodville Rd. 419-725-2888 Open Daily at 11am

www.smokeysbbqroadhouse.com

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6067 Bayshore Road 419-697-1000

1842 Woodville Rd., 419-693-0862

(03,5( 5(67$85$17 Buy One Get One ½ OFF

Fresh food, prepared from scratch, using locally sourced ingredients.

Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sundays Closed

Pizza, Grinders, Salads and more!

697-1799

(419) 2325 Woodville Road Oregon, OH 43616 Dine In or Carryout

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THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Dining Guide Open Daily at 11am for lunch

Home of the $ 5 Martini

Fine Dining with Hometown Flair

2048 E. Sand Rd. Port Clinton, OH 419-734-6209

1812Rosies.com 419-960-7546 2590 East Sand Road Port Clinton

Open 7 Days

The Waterr’s Edge Restaurant at

B r e a kf ast , Lun ch & Dinner Open at 5:15am, May 5-14 419.836.1466 ext. 2

Sunday thru Thursday 7 –7 Fridayy & Saturdayy 7am–8pm

3515 E. STATE ROAD, PORT CLINTON WWW.TINGOOSEDINER.COM • 419-732-0236

Serving Breakfa Breakfast & Lunch

Buy one donut, get one FREE with this coupon!! 1871 NE Catawba Rd., Rd Port Clinton 419-960-7399 419 960 7399 Famous Local Donuts Made Fresh Daily

Open Daily-Lunch and Dinner Specials

Family Restaurant

525 State Rt. 635, Helena, Ohio 419.638.5411 chateautebeauwinery.com

KARAOKE WITH RON HOWARD WEDNESDAYS, 5:30-8:30 FEATURING GREAT SONGS WITH WEEKLY CONTEST & PRIZES! MARK WILKINS & RON HOWARD THURSDAYS, 5-8PM

IN THE BASSETT’S PLAZA - RT 53 & 163 • (419) 301-3700 SUN–THURS 11:30A–10P | FRI & SAT 11:30A–11P

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Six miles south of the lake, the way the crow flies 501 Oak Street • Oak Harbor, OH • 419-898-2593

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

TIMING OF SPRING MIGRATION IN NORTHWEST OHIO The Lake Erie shoreline in northwest Ohio is famed as one of the best birding areas in North America, especially during spring migration. Although May is the peak season for visiting birders, spring migration is actually under way from mid-February to mid-June. Here’s an overview of what to expect at each point in the season. Late February: Waterfowl (ducks, geese, and swans) are beginning to move, along with early returning birds like American Woodcock and blackbirds. Flocks of American Crows are moving along the lakeshore. March 1 - 15: Waterfowl migration is fully under way. Raptor migration begins, with passage of Red-shouldered Hawk, Bald Eagle, and Turkey Vulture on southerly winds. Snow Buntings are moving around and an influx of Eastern Meadowlarks, Song Sparrows, and others is evident. March 16 - 31: Peak waterfowl migration, with huge numbers of ducks, geese, and swans on Lake Erie and in area marshes and ponds. Raptor migration LV still picking up. Pectoral Sandpiper and other early shorebirds begin to appear in flooded fields. Hardy birds like Tree Swallow and Eastern Phoebe are returning. Large numbers of Rusty Blackbirds, Fox Sparrows, and Golden-crowned Kinglets are present by the end of the month near the lakeshore. April 1 - 15: Waterfowl migration is still heavy, gradually declining through April. Raptor migration continues, with the last passage of Red-shouldered and Rough-legged Hawks. Early shorebird migrants are evident, including yellowlegs and American Golden-Plover. Big numbers of flickers, Hermit Thrushes, Winter Wrens, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and other early migrants are here, and by the middle of the month, a sprinkling of other warblers turns up. Fox Sparrows are still numerous, and many other migrant sparrows are arriving. April 16 - 30: First arrivals for many species, including Neotropical migrants like warblers, vireos, and orioles. Early warblers like Black-and-white, Palm, Nashville, and Black-throated Green are numerous by month’s end. In migrant traps along the lakeshore, this is the best time to find Pine and Orange-crowned Warblers, and a time when “southern” warblers like Worm-eating, Hooded, and Yellow-throated may appear. Typical migrants in this period include Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and sparrows such as Swamp and White-throated. Herons, egrets, and rails have their main arrival here. Raptor migration features Broad-winged and Sharp-shinned Hawks and Osprey. Shorebird variety and numbers continue to increase. May 1 - 10: Sometime in this period, weather conditions will produce the first really massive arrivals of Neotropical migrants. In the migrant traps along the lakeshore, warbler counts may jump from about a dozen species to nearly 30 species literally overnight, and other Neotropical migrants will abruptly pick up in numbers and variety also. After this big wave, numbers of individual migrants will drop off between successive waves of arrivals, but diversity will remain high through most of May. Early migrants like Rusty Blackbird and Fox Sparrow are mostly gone before May 10th. Migration of raptors and waterfowl is winding down, but shorebirds are still building toward their peak.

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

May 11 - 20: Numbers of migrants will vary day to day depending on weather, but diversity is very high during this period. Among the warblers, earlier migrants like Palm and Yellow-rumped are declining, but later ones like Magnolia, Blackpoll, and Bay-breasted have arrived in numbers. Cuckoos, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Indigo Bunting, and Bobolink are all typical mid-May migrants. Hermit Thrush is past its peak but the other thrushes are abundant, and flycatchers are arriving. Diversity and numbers of shorebirds are excellent in available habitat. May 21 - 31: Some days continue to produce very high numbers of migrants, although they are harder to see with the trees fully leafed out. Summer residents are singing but there is less song now from migrants, since females (which generally don’t sing) tend to migrate later than males. This is the peak migration time for the elusive Connecticut Warbler, and good for numbers of other late migrants like Mourning, Wilson’s, and Canada Warblers and American Redstart. Yellow-bellied, Alder, and Olive-sided Flycatchers all peak in late May, Red-eyed Vireo can be abundant, and thrush migration continues to be excellent. Many shorebird species are now at their peak numbers.

Early June: Farther south in Ohio the songbird migration is mostly over, but in the migrant traps along the lakeshore, stragglers of many species can be found through the first week of June. Some birds, such as Swainson’s Thrush and Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, are still present in numbers. Shorebird migration is still in full swing, with Dunlin, Ruddy Turnstone, and other species still expected, and White-rumped Sandpiper probably at its peak.

This overview of the timing of migration was written for Black Swamp Bird Observatory by Kenn Kaufman. To read more of Kenn's thoughts on bird migration in the Crane Creek / Magee Marsh area, visit Kenn's BSBO Birding Blog at: http://cranecreekbirding.blogspot.com

in nce 1976, Victor Emanuel Nature Tours has conducted birding & wildlife tours worldwide, plus birding, g wildlife & natural history cruises accompanied by our expert lecturers and renowned leaders. Some key reasons to travel with us: leaders living “on the spot” in Brazil, • Superb South h Affrica, Ve V nezuella, Ecuad dor, r Australlia, and all over the United States, with all of the local knowledge at their ﬁngertips

• Excellent, experienced office team • High quality tours at competitive prices departures for all of our • Guaranteed United States and Canada tours VICTOR EMANUEL Sign up for our email newsletter,r the VENTﬂash, NATURE for birding news, discounts, and special offers. TOURS Harpy Eagle ©David Tipling

•

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THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Welcome Back Birders!! FOUNDED IN 2006 BY BLACK SWAMP BIRD OBSERVATORY

Do you like spending Ɵme outdoors learning about birds & nature? Then the OYBC is for YOU!

* OYBC parƟcipaƟon is limited to youth ages 12 - 18 Valid Monday-Thursday. Second breakfast of equal or lesser value. With coupon. Not valid with other offers or discounts. Expires 5-31-17

CARRY-OUT • DINE-IN Open Eve Open very ryda dayy 6a 6amm 1p 1pm m 225 Madison St., Port Clinton

419-734-9939

For more informaƟon about the OYBC, to become an OYBC member, or to make a donaƟon go to: www.ohioyoungbirders.org or call 419-898-4070

Bird

Your Nest is Waiting with the Bird Watcherrs’ Black Swamp Sp pecial!

Rates starting at $109.99/weekdays and $ $135.99 weekends through g May y 20,, 2017

Maumee Bay is is located justjust 15 minutes west of Maumee BayLodge Lodge located 15 miles west Crane Creek, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Magee of Crane Creek, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Marsh and Metzger’s Marsh. Magee Marsh and Metzger’s Marsh. The Water’s Edge Restaurant Maumee Bay Bay Lodge Water’s Edge restaurant at at Maumee opens opens daily at 5:15 a.m. during the during the festival. festival. daily at 5:15am. Box lunches are available for 99 2 to place your $10.95. Call 419-836-1466 ext. Box Lunches available for $9.99. $10. Call 419.836.1466 to place your order. Call 419.836.1466 Ext. 2 to place order. your order For availability and more information visit:

maumeebaystateparklodge.com/blackswamp or call: 800.282.7275 To take advantage of our special rate use the promo code: BLACKSWAMP R t iis valid Rate lid S Sun-Thu Th is iin a standard t a dstandard dd double bl room, ff isiissubject subject bj tot availability, tto availability, il bilit t tto special change, h special i available l rates t also l other availabl available il ble in i other th room types t Rate valid for double room,offer offer subjectsubject tobjchange, rates also in room types, and on weekends, combinable with otheroffers restrictions apply. discount offers and other not not combinable with other discount and other restrictions apply.

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

Black Swamp Bird Observatory presents... ng apps this year! not one but TWO birding The exclusive Biggest Week app works with BirdsEye and eBird to keep you up to date with the latest bird sighƟngs during The Biggest Week fesƟval. Available for both Android and Apple systems, the Biggest Week app makes it easy to see where the birds are and when. The hard part is deciding where to go birding first!

BSBO teams up with Chuck Anderson and CountDay.org to bring you this exciƟng new birding tool!

Features: x Free to download

x Search for specific birds

x Search a hotspot

x Track lists: life, county, state, country, etc.

Available online and for both Android and Apple systems, CountDay allows viewers and counters to follow along as birds are seen during their favorite event. UƟlized during Big Sits, CBCs, and Big Days, CountDay keeps track of how many species and individual birds were seen, and when they were counted. CountDay can even spark a liƩle friendly compeƟƟon! Features:

Sponsored by... (Photo courtesy Maggi Dandar)

x Free to download

x Start your own count

x Easy to use

x Follow along live

Download the app from your phone’s Play Store or App Store, or by following the link below: hƩp://bit.ly/bwiab-app

Download the app from your phone’s App Store or use online at: countday.org

Join these fabulous birding tours in 2017-2018! SSe eyc y h he elllless • Jul uly 9 9-19 919 1 9 Pa P a apu pu p ua Ne New w Gu uin inea a • Sep pt. t. 2-1 12 Quee Qu eens nsla land an nd d, Au A s,, fro rom C Ca aiirrn nss • Sep ept. t. 13 3--19 19 Qu Q uee een nssland land la d, Au Auss,, fro rom B Brriissba bane ne • Sep eptt.. 21 1--26 -26 26 Sri La Sr ank nka • N No ovv.. 26ov. 6-De Decc.. 9 Ta T aiw iwan n • Ap prrilil 1-10, --1 10, 0, 201 018 018 Bo B oliliivvi via • Se Sept pt. 2 24 4-Oct -O Octt. 7 7,, 201 018

— A SPRING CONCERT — with an authentic Swiss Menu sold à la carte before & after

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Ňora_fauna_tours@hotmail.com orraa_f _faau un naa_t _tou ourrs ours rs@h s@ho @ho @h otttma maaailiill.c m .co .co om m • 705-874-8531 705 05-8874 74-8853 531 531

Saturday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: 419.206.0975 | Details: ToledoSwiss.Blogspot.com The Chalet at Oak Shade Grove, 3624 Seaman Road, Oregon

Amish Pies

Good Home Cooking Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials $6.95 *Breakfast Specials *Toft’s Ice Cream

GRANNY'S KITCHEN 1105 Main St. Mon.-Sat. 7am -9pm Sun. 7am-2pm

Woodville 419-849-2203

DEBIT CARDS

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

Explore President Rutherford B. Hayesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wooded estate with a mile of paved walking trails and see birds and wildlife. Tour the presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 31-room mansion, see his tomb, check out the newly renovated museum and visit the library. Details at rbhayes.org Spiegel Grove, Fremont, Ohio

BIRD Watching? Stop by the Toledo Zoo and enjoy some of the birds of the world. Our award-winning Aviary features some of the most sought-after bird species, including: w :01-: cock-of-the-rock w lue-bellied roller w Kagu w Pink-necked Fruit Dove w $45:;ceros hornbill

Learn more at toledozoo.org

2017

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

2017

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

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Welcome Birders! $.50 Off Ice Cream Cones Expires 5/25/17

$1 Off All Milkshakes Expires 5/25/17

Open 7 Days A Week

4016 E. Harbor Rd. 419-732-8857 In the Bassett’s Plaza

The Port Clinton Chamber Welcomes You, SOHDVH VWRS LQ WR RXU RIäFH IRU DUHD information and local coupons.

Locally Owned Since 2003 3 Closed Mondays~Tues. -Fri. 6:30 to 4 Sat. 8 to 4 ~ Sun. 8 to 2

368 Rice Street, Elmore, OH H on corner at traffic light

419-862-2220

110 Madison St, Port Clinton, OH 43452 | (419) 734-5503

The Only WATERFRONT LODGING in the Heart of Downtown Port Clinton

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866-734-2101 121 East Perry Street, Port Clinton, Ohio www.ArlingtonInnPortClinton.com

The

Bait House

RRIVER I V E BAR R BA R (Behind Arlington Inn)

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: Most Thursdays - Sundays

www.birdingecotours.com

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

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HOLISTIC LIFESTYLE GOODS Cottage Food, Essential Oil products-Diffusers and Jewelry and Vintage and Retro Items

MUCH MORE! 10% off your order with AD

Welcome Bird Watchers!

House for rent-Port Clinton, OH 20 minutes from spectacular bird watching! • $175.00 per night • Sleeps 6 people • Fully furnished • Cable TV

12148 W W. State Route 163 • Oak Harbor Harbor, Ohio 43449

419-355-3102 or 419-707-7923

Call 330-418-3122

Felted Nature

Kingfisher

@bayoucreekfarmstead • www.bayoucreekfarmstead.com

Coffee Company Local ● Bird-friendly ● Organic www.kingfishercoffeecompany.com At Kingfisher Coffee Company, we strive to provide the most fresh and environmentally friendly coffee available. We believe that great coffee can and should be affordable!

Felted wool art inspired by nature Beautiful handmade wool creations by Julie Davis Visit me at Booth 29 feltednature@insight.rr.com On Facebook @FeltedNature

Our coffee is sourced from farms that believe in organic and shade grown methods, creating a symbiotic relationship between the land and the farmer. Ease your conscience and enjoy a cup from Kingfisher Coffee Company!

Kingfisher

THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING

On the way to everything. Located where Interstate 75 and Interstates 80/90 interse ect, ct, Perrysburg, Ohio is easy to get to and alwa ays ys on the way. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re planning a stop o on n a tour tour or or llooking ooking for for a new new destination, destination, we we h have ave something for everyone.

Fro m historic historic battlegrounds battlegrounds to to museums museums a om and nd from a casino to quaint shops and restaura ants, nts, Perrysburg will please. For more information log onto visitperrysburg.com â&#x20AC;&#x201C; because because you you should. should.

PERRYSBURG OHIO

2017

NEW!

A CENTURY OF KNOWLEDGE HAS COME TO LIFE Noctivid binoculars Leicaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s storied 110 year heritage of pursuing optical perfection has yielded its best yet: the new Leica Noctivid binocular. Simply, the brightest, sharpest, highest contrast and purest color images available in a binocular today. Discover much more at your Leica dealer and by visiting Leica-sportoptics.com.

More great news to be announced during Biggest Week! Stop by the Leica booth for details.