One of the best areas to experience the spring bird migration in the midwest is along western Lake Erie in Ohio. The boardwalk through the wetlands and lowlands of Magee Marsh tends to be the “poster child” for outstanding birding, but there are also many other great birding areas near Magee Marsh, and we try to visit as many as possible while we are in the area each year. One of the newest birding areas is Howard Marsh (https://metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/howard-marsh-metropark/), a created wetland that is part of the Metroparks of Toledo, Ohio.
We had watched the machinery create the low areas and dikes of Howard Marsh for several years. We wondered how long it would take birds to find the area and if they would like it. No worries! Just add water and the birds came!
Jan and I have learned to come well-equipped with tripods, binoculars, scopes, and cameras.
An ever-present bird is the Red-winged Blackbird. Regardless of where we were at the marsh we could see or hear them. They are very territorial, constantly singing, scolding, and confronting one another.
We stood on one of the walking trail bridges to take photos of many kinds of wetland birds. The Barn Swallows were collecting mud and dried grasses, then flying right at us to build their nests under the bridge where we stood.
Several friends we talked to said the Black-necked Stilts were common this year and we saw several nesting nearby.
There were other birds to see and photograph.
We were fortunate to see this Muskrat up-close and personal. It didn’t appear to be concerned about us being so close.
Howard Marsh is becoming one of the top birding spots in Ohio. It’s well worth stopping there on any birding trip along western Lake Erie.
Bill Beatty Nature 
These are the MOST AWESOME red winged blackbird photos ever! I love red winged blackbirds.
Thank you so very much for sharing these!! -Dawn Peck ________________________________
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Thank you Dawn. I’m glad you like them.
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