Anyone attending the Biggest Week in American Birding in Ohio?

[semillama]

I'll be going up on International Migratory Bird Day - sure, some places might be crowded, but then that's all the more eyes that will help me find my Connecticut Warbler (All I want for my 40th birthday...besides pancakes).

If you're going and are new to the area, let me know and I can give some general pointers...

[cpwm17]

1. I'll arrive at Magee Marsh, Ohio around that time

I plan on staying for a week or so if the weather cooperates.

Around May 15 of last year I saw 20 species of warblers in an afternoon at Magee Marsh, most in large numbers. They're really easy to see there. But then the heavy rains came and I went elsewhere.

I'll try again this year, now with a camera.

Good luck with the Connecticut Warbler. They're a late migrant. They come through Florida in the middle of May. Also, they often walk along the ground like an Ovenbird. That makes them easier to ID.

[XemaSab]

2. I would love to go

But not this year.

[semillama]

3. IMBD was a success for me!

No lifers or state birds, but I had 22 species of warblers, including Kirtland's Warbler, and I only missed two warblers that were reported that day (Canada and Orange-crowned). Had all the migrant thrushes, both cuckoos, three vireos, etc. Shorebirds weren't very diverse, although one Western Sandpiper was a great find for me amongst the Dunlin hordes in the region.

Crowds weren't too bad either. I ended the day with 102 species. Overall, a great time in the Magee Marsh area on Saturday!