Wild & Wonderful Warblers
May 11 - 17, 2024
Every spring millions of songbirds make an epic journey from wintering grounds in Central & South America to breeding grounds in Canada. As these tiny birds fly through the night, many cross over Ohio. As the sun rises and the vast expanse of Lake Erie spreads out over the horizon, many of these birds will stop to rest and feed on the southern shore of the Lake. This “migrant trap” leads to hundreds, and in many cases thousands, of warblers and other migrants to collect in the marshes and woodlots along the Lake. Places like Magee Marsh, Ottawa NWR, Metzger Marsh, Oak Openings, and many other parks and preserves have become world famous birding hotspots each May.
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We will begin our trip with a visit to Oak Openings MetroPark and several of the prairie preserves in the area. This gives us a good chance for Blue-winged Warblers, Lark Sparrows, Grasshopper Sparrows, Henslow’s Sparrows, as well as a wide variety of migrants. These parks are much more open and spread out than the boardwalk at Magee Marsh, so large crowds of birders on the last day of the Biggest Week Festival shouldn’t be an issue.
The next morning we will take a trip to the world famous Magee Marsh Boardwalk. This magical place is often full of dozens of species of warblers and other songbirds, and with the festival being over, the crowds will not be as bad as previous days.
The next several days will be spent visiting places like Howard Marsh to look for Yellow-headed Blackbirds and Horned Larks, Ottawa NWR, Metzger Marsh, and several other hotspots. The exact schedule will depend on what rarities are being reported and on what we have seen on previous days.
On the last full day of the tour we will make the drive north into Michigan to look for the endangered Kirtland’s Warbler in their breeding territory. Seeing Kirtland’s Warblers singing in the Jack Pines is a truly remarkable experience!
Day 1 (May 11): Travel to OH. Guests will either fly into Detroit or drive and meet the group at the hotel.
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Day 2 - 6 (May 12 - 15): We will bird the incredible parks and preserves in northern Ohio. The exact schedule will be based on any rare birds being reported.
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Day 6 (May 16): We will make the trip up to the Jack Pines of Michigan to look for Kirtland's Warblers in their breeding territory.
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Day 7 (May 17): Return home - Guests who fly out will be shuttled to the Detroit Airport.
Travel Logistics:
If you fly in we will either pick you up at the Detroit airport or you can get a shuttle to our hotel, depending on when your flight arrives.
If you choose to drive, make sure you arrive at the hotel on May 11.
Meals:
Breakfasts and Lunches will be provided
Dinners will be at local restaurants
Cost:
$1650 per person (double occupancy)
$475 single supplement
Cost includes:
Lodging
Breakfasts and Lunches
Transportation during the tour
Expert Trip Leaders and Guides
Cost does not include:
Airfare
Dinners
Alcoholic Beverages
Guide Gratuities
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Call or email Paul & Amanda to reserve your spot or if you have any questions.
(931) 452-9254
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