Last May I attended
The Biggest Week in American Birding, a birding festival in Ohio on the south shore of Lake Erie. I had a wonderful time, and I am starting to get excited about attending again this year. I am very much looking forward to seeing birding friends and beautiful birds. If you have not been fortunate enough to meet the wonderful Ohio birders and see the beautiful Ohio birds, you should immediately make plans to attend. The Ohio birders are friendly, welcoming and inclusive. They're an excellent group!
The atmosphere on the boardwalk at
Magee Marsh is festive. Birders are happy to see old friends and meet new ones. This photo was taken on the boardwalk last year where I was with a group of photographers getting pointers from
Christopher Taylor (far right), a wonderful photographer.
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| Photographers on the boardwalk at Magee Marsh |
Of course everyone goes to see the warblers. The trees, particularly in
Magee Marsh, are full of warblers foraging among the leaves in
preparation for their long flight north across Lake Erie. Many
birders will gather in one place to see an unusual bird. Here is a
group that assembled near Magee Marsh to see a rare Kirtland's Warbler. I
did not get a clear photo of the bird, but I was able to get excellent
looks through one of the many scopes that were focused on it.
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| One tiny bird; many birders |
My favorite warbler of the trip was the beautiful Prothonotary Warbler, shown here in full song.
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| Prothonotary Warbler |
Because I live in the Western US, I am not used to seeing many warblers in one place. I was delighted to see so many warblers flitting through the trees.
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| Black-throated Green Warbler |
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| Magnolia Warbler |
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| Northern Parula |
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| Chestnut-sided Warbler |
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| Blackburnian Warbler |
Did I mention how much I love Prothonotary Warblers?
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| Prothonotary Warbler |
The Biggest Week is a "don't miss" event. It's a wonderful event with wonderful birds and birders in a wonderful location. Also a "don't miss" are the beautiful Lake Erie sunsets!
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| Beautiful Lake Erie Sunset |
I am counting the days until this year's event. This New Mexican is going to Ohio!!
Lovely photos Linda, and looks such a great time. One of these days I will get out there
ReplyDeleteYou must come to this one Dan! It's not that far from you, and it's an excellent festival! Happy you like the photos! :-)
Deletecute warbler
ReplyDeleteYes, they really are lovely birds!
DeleteGreat post, Linda! You got a fantastic pic of the Prothonotary singing -- I've never managed to get such a clear picture of one of those. I think it's about time I did another post about my excitement leading up to this year's festival too -- thanks for the motivation. This will be my third time there and it just gets better every year! ~Kim
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you like my post! I'm really looking forward to my trip there this year. Can't wait to see all the beautiful Ohio birds and the wonderful Ohio birders! :-)
DeleteWonderful post and photos, Linda.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bill!
DeleteAhh..such grand memories! Super captures Rocky! I will miss being there this year and hanging out with you! Looking forward to your stories and photos!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lovely Dawn! I will miss seeing you and Darling Jeff at this year's event. Even with all the beautiful birds and wonderful birders, it won't be the same without you.
DeleteLovely photographs Linda! Sounds like a great event. I can see why you love the Prothonotary Warbler, a beautiful little bird. I wonder if I could add this to my BL?!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lisa. It is a wonderful event. Definitely BL material!
DeleteGreat Post! Wish I was going!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy you enjoyed the post. It's a great festival!
DeleteBeautiful photos - and The Biggest Week in American Birding sounds phenomenal. Wish I was going!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much. And you really should go. It's a wonderful event!!
DeleteA fabulous teaser for spring, whenever that may arrive... :-)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read your posts from your trip and see your photos, Linda!
Thank you so much! I'm so looking forward to the trip. It's going to be great fun to see the Ohio birds and birders!
DeleteLooking forward to seeing you there!!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to it too! :-)
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ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a wonderful event! How glorious it must be to see all these colorful warblers in one area. Stunning photographs, Linda!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind comments Julie. I am getting very excited about returning to the festival in May!
DeleteHey Linda.. A bevy of beautiful warbler shots..Well done! Glad you are going again..will be looking forward to your posts!
ReplyDeleteThank you Cindy! I'm already getting excited about the event. Hope the snow there melts before May!
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