Warbler Grand Tour

A delightful grassy spot is first this morning where we target Dickcissel, Willow Flycatcher, Northern Bobwhite, Grasshopper and Field Sparrows. Most of the day in the field is in the beautiful Red River Gorge area inside the Daniel Boone National Forest. Most importantly, we will be in the northern most range for some southern warblers. Target birds include Louisiana Waterthrush, Swainson’s, Worm-eating, and Hooded Warblers. Other targets include Carolina Chickadee, Carolina Wren and Acadian Flycatcher. Red River Gorge has wonderful mixed forests, cliffs, riparian areas and amazing scenery, so bring your camera. Below is a clip of the sounds of this ancient forest. We will also find some nice sparrow fields to target Henslow’s, one of my favorites. Heading back to the Lexington area for our second night. (B, L, D) Checklist – Red River Gorge

After another morning in this amazing habitat, we head north for Portsmouth, Ohio. Shawnee National Forest boasts a convergence of six natural ecological regions which provids for diverse habitats. In addition, we will also bird in Shawnee State Park, the largest state park in Ohio. Short hikes are needed to find the 13 species of warblers breeding in this habitat. Possible species include Cerulean, Kentucky, Yellow-throated, Black-throated Green, Worm-eating, Prairie and Pine Warblers, and Ovenbird. (B, L, D)

The vibrant national forest and state park near the Ohio River is our destination today. I can’t wait for you to experience the morning chorus in this forest. Cerulean Warblers singing near Blackburnian Warblers, Worm-eating Warblers flying near Scarlet Tanagers, and Red-eyed Vireos and Black-and-white Warblers in the same binocular view. In the evening we venture out for Eastern Whip-poor-will, Chuck will’s-widow, Common Nighthawk, and American Woodcock.. Second night in the same hotel. (B, L, D)

Leaving southern Ohio, our trip takes us through the heartland to the shores of Lake Erie. Depending on bird reports and weather, we’ll choose several stops on our way north. Maximizing our trip list and tracking down any rarities is the plan. One of my favorite stops is to Battelle Darby Metro Park where rails are common. If time permits, we will spend a few hours at Magee Marsh boardwalk before going to our hotel for four nights. Because of the hotel location, we’re just a short drive from the migrating phenomenon. (B, L, D)

First stop, Magee Marsh coastal wetlands and boardwalk for the morning warblers. This trip coincides with ‘The Biggest Week in American Birding.’ Why come to northwest Ohio in May?  “ . . . it is quite simply the best place to witness spring migration of songbirds anywhere in North America.” After an amazing morning, we’ll spend the afternoon at any number of amazing birding locations to add trip birds. (B, L, D) Checklist – Magee Marsh Boardwalk

Afternoon locations selected from the folowing list

• Magee Marsh Boardwalk
• Black Swamp Bird Observatory
• Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area
• Irwin Prairie State Wildlife Area
• Maumee Bay State Park
• Pearson Metropark
• Howard Marsh Metropark
• Oak Openings Preserve Metropark
• Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

Magee Marsh and Boardwalk in the morning with afternoon locations selected from the following list;

• Black Swamp Bird Observatory
• Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area
• Irwin Prairie State Wildlife Area
• Maumee Bay State Park
• Pearson Metropark
• Howard Marsh Metropark
• Oak Openings Preserve Metropark
• Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

Magee Marsh and Boardwalk in the morning with afternoon locations selected from the following list;

• Black Swamp Bird Observatory
• Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area
• Irwin Prairie State Wildlife Area
• Maumee Bay State Park
• Pearson Metropark
• Howard Marsh Metropark
• Oak Openings Preserve Metropark
• Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

Hoping for a good stack up of birds at Magee Marsh, this is our final few hours at this magnificent migrant trap. Driving around Lake Huron’s shores and up to Tawas Point State Park should be scenic. While several hours of the day will be traveling, the rest of the time will be looking for Golden-winged Warblers and exploring the state park. Because it sticks out into Lake Huron, birds concentrate along this park in migration. As a result, it is famous in Michigan as the best migrant trap along the lake. Less crowded than Magee Marsh, we should enjoy this underutilized birding gem. They boast 260 species migrating in spring through this hotspot. Overnight in Tawas, Michigan for two nights. (B, L, D)

Finally, it’s time for the habitat restricted Kirtland’s Warbler. The contrasting blue-gray above and bright yellow below will seem like eye candy as we see this rare warbler in its preferred Jack Pine habitat. After our fill of Kirtland’s, the rest of the afternoon is spent at Tawas Point State Park for more photos and amazing migrants. In the evening we’ll visit Tuttle Marsh Wildlife Area. Waterbirds, rails, ducks, and maybe owls await. (B, L, D)

Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) – Flights home via free hotel shuttle. (B)