Day 1 – Arrival in Cincinnati, Ohio

Louisiana Waterthrush

To start the Warbler Grand Tour, Fly into Cincinnati/Northern Ken

tucky International Airport (CVG). First, we’ll meet group at airport at 2:00 PM and drive to Lexington, KY. Second, check into hotel and off to dinner. Third, enjoy easy evening birding at a Lexington Hotspot. (D)

Day 2 – Red River Gorge, Kentucky

Our first full 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.

Henslow’s Sparrow

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 Lexington area for our second night. (B, L, D) Checklist – Red River Gorge

Day 3 – Red River to Shawnee National Forest, Ohio

Cerulean Warbler

After another morning in this amazing habitat, we head north for Portsmouth, Ohio. Shawnee National Forest boasts a convergence of six natural ecological regions, while providing for a diverse habitat. 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) Checklist – Shawnee State Park

Day 4 – Shawnee area

Shawnee State Forest

This whole day is spent in and around the national forest and state park. I can’t wait to take 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.

Finally, Eastern Whip-poor-will, Chuck will’s-widow, Common Nighthawk, and American Woodcock should be added to our trip list for this option evening adventure. Second night in the same hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 5 – Heartland of Ohio to Magee Marsh

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 rarieties 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 hotal for four nights. Because of the hotel location, we’re just a short drive from the migrating phenomenon. (B, L, D) Checklist – Battelle Darby Creek

Day 6, 7, 8 – Magee Marsh and other Ohio Hotspots

Magee Marsh boardwalk

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. Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area, Irwin Prairie State Wildlife Area, Maumee Bay State Park, Pearson Metropark, and Howard Marsh are just some of the options.  (B, L, D) Checklist – Magee Marsh Boardwalk

Checklist – Howard Marsh

Day 9 – Magee Marsh to Tawas Pointe SP, Michigan 

Hoping for a good stack up of birds at Magee Marsh, this is our final few hours

American Woodcock

at this magnificent migrant trap. Driving around Lake Huron’s shores and up to Tawas Point State Park should be scenic. While a chunk 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) Checklist – Au Sable State Forest

Day 10 – Kirtland’s Warbler and Michigan’s Migration

Veery

Finally, it’s time for the habitat restricted Kirtland’s Warbler. The contrasting blue-gray above and bright yellow below will seem as 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) Checklist – Kirtland’s Warblers

Day 11 – Tawas Point SP – Detroit

After breakfast, we’ll spend a few hours either at Tawas Point or another spot for Kirtland’s Warbler depending on yestersday’s results. Breaking up our drive towards Detroit will include stops at Au Sable State Forest for migrants and Nayanquing Point SWA. At Nayanquing, anything is possible including both bitterns, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Wilson’s Phalarope, Herring Gull, Eastern Kingbird, Sedge Wren and Yellow-headed blackbird. Finally, the final night of the Warbler Grand Tour is near the Detroit airport. (B, L, D) Checklist – Tawas Point SP

Day 12 – Departure

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