Chestnut-sided Warbler

On our spring trip to Point Pelee in Ontario we visited some amazing birding locations, and the birds we saw were absolutely incredible.  We had 12+ species of sparrow and 10 species of Flycatcher, but the real kickers were the warblers.  On our way back from Pelee, we decided to stop at a place I had only heard of in passing…Magee Marsh.  After only one day there, I understand why this site is becoming so famous.

Magee Marsh, located in Ohio, is nestled up against the shores of Lake Erie.  It is the launching pad for migrating birds on their journey north across the lake to the landing spot at Point Pelee.  This marsh is especially celebrated for its warblers.  Their highest day counts add up to over 30 species of warbler.  We were fortunate enough to spend a morning here on our trip back from Ontario, and it was absolutely amazing.  All of the warblers can be seen at eye level, including the species that normally occur only at the tops of the tallest trees in the forest.  In addition, Connecticut and Mourning Warblers can be found here in decent numbers later in the migration season.  In only a couple of hours we tallied 19 species of warbler: Connecticut, Yellow, Chestnut-sided, Tennessee, Magnolia, Cape May, Blackburnian, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Blackpoll, Bay-breasted, Black-and-white, American Redstart, Prothonotary Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Mourning Warbler, Canada, Hooded, and Wilson’s.

Of all the places I have ever been birded, Magee Marsh was the most exciting.  There were simply birds everywhere, and they were all close and easy to see.  Of course, with a location like this the crowds can become quite large by mid-morning.  However, I would very highly recommend a trip to Magee Marsh in May.  It is difficult for me to describe how amazing it actually was.

* For more about birding in North America see Places to Bird: Part 1, Places to Bird: Part 2, Places to Bird: Part 3, and Places to Bird:  Part 4