Jan and I took our annual western Lake Erie trip in mid-May. We enjoy chasing birds in this migration hot-spot, spending time with friends, and, for me, eating Lake Erie perch.
Jan and I try to take photos of some of the birds we encounter. I was able to get good photos of my favorite bird to look at, the Bay-breasted Warbler. Another beautiful bird I really like to see is the Magnolia Warbler. Both of these photos were taken along the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area boardwalk.
The Magee Marsh boardwalk is a mecca for birders. Before north-migrating birds attempt the Lake Erie crossing into Canada, they “fallout” into the woodlands surrounding the boardwalk to feed. Some days, depending on the weather, the birds seem to be EVERYWHERE. On our first day in the area, we spent most of the day on the boardwalk, even eating lunch as we explored.
There were other birds we managed to photograph along the Magee Marsh boardwalk.
We managed to see the very camouflaged nest of a Green Heron. The nest was almost impossible to see but the birds sometimes showed themselves more.
Near his post at the very top of the tallest tree was the hole which held this Red-headed Woodpecker’s nest.
One of the magic things about the boardwalk at Magee Marsh is that the birds seem much less concerned by nearby humans than at any other place we bird. The local birds build their nests and do their daily activities while the nearby people are confined to the boardwalk. Migrating birds go about the business of finding the insects to fuel the lake crossing.
Some of the migrants passing through the western Lake Erie area on their way to breed in Canada are species that we also see and hear in the highest mountains of West Virginia. The habitat and climate of the higher elevations are like those farther north in Canada.
One of Jan’s favorite birds to look at is the Wilson’s Warbler, a fairly nondescript bird with a tidy black “cap” on the top of his head.
At one point someone said “Pelicans!” and everyone immediately looked up. There were more than 20 in a couple flocks that were wheeling around very high above our heads.
A favorite along the boardwalk was a Warbling Vireo singing in its nest.
After each day of non-stop day birding, we would have a nice meal with friends at one of our favorite local restaurants. On this evening, Jan had shrimp and I had Lake Erie perch.
Bill Beatty Nature 