Monday, March 18, 2013

Looking Ahead to The Biggest Week in American Birding 2013

Last May I attended The Biggest Week in American Birding, a birding festival in Ohio on the south shore of Lake Erie. I had a wonderful time, and I am starting to get excited about attending again this year. I am very much looking forward to seeing birding friends and beautiful birds. If you have not been fortunate enough to meet the wonderful Ohio birders and see the beautiful Ohio birds, you should immediately make plans to attend. The Ohio birders are friendly, welcoming and inclusive. They're an excellent group!

The atmosphere on the boardwalk at Magee Marsh is festive. Birders are happy to see old friends and meet new ones. This photo was taken on the boardwalk last year where I was with a group of photographers getting pointers from Christopher Taylor (far right), a wonderful photographer.
Photographers on the boardwalk at Magee Marsh
Of course everyone goes to see the warblers. The trees, particularly in Magee Marsh, are full of warblers foraging among the leaves in preparation for their long flight north across Lake Erie. Many birders will gather in one place to see an unusual bird. Here is a group that assembled near Magee Marsh to see a rare Kirtland's Warbler. I did not get a clear photo of the bird, but I was able to get excellent looks through one of the many scopes that were focused on it.
One tiny bird; many birders
 My favorite warbler of the trip was the beautiful Prothonotary Warbler, shown here in full song.
Prothonotary Warbler
Because I live in the Western US, I am not used to seeing many warblers in one place. I was delighted to see so many warblers flitting through the trees.
Black-throated Green Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Northern Parula
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
 Did I mention how much I love Prothonotary Warblers?
Prothonotary Warbler
The Biggest Week is a "don't miss" event. It's a wonderful event with wonderful birds and birders in a wonderful location. Also a "don't miss" are the beautiful Lake Erie sunsets!
Beautiful Lake Erie Sunset
I am counting the days until this year's event. This New Mexican is going to Ohio!!

25 comments:

  1. Lovely photos Linda, and looks such a great time. One of these days I will get out there

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You must come to this one Dan! It's not that far from you, and it's an excellent festival! Happy you like the photos! :-)

      Delete
  2. Great post, Linda! You got a fantastic pic of the Prothonotary singing -- I've never managed to get such a clear picture of one of those. I think it's about time I did another post about my excitement leading up to this year's festival too -- thanks for the motivation. This will be my third time there and it just gets better every year! ~Kim

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so happy you like my post! I'm really looking forward to my trip there this year. Can't wait to see all the beautiful Ohio birds and the wonderful Ohio birders! :-)

      Delete
  3. Wonderful post and photos, Linda.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ahh..such grand memories! Super captures Rocky! I will miss being there this year and hanging out with you! Looking forward to your stories and photos!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Lovely Dawn! I will miss seeing you and Darling Jeff at this year's event. Even with all the beautiful birds and wonderful birders, it won't be the same without you.

      Delete
  5. Lovely photographs Linda! Sounds like a great event. I can see why you love the Prothonotary Warbler, a beautiful little bird. I wonder if I could add this to my BL?!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Lisa. It is a wonderful event. Definitely BL material!

      Delete
  6. Replies
    1. I'm happy you enjoyed the post. It's a great festival!

      Delete
  7. Beautiful photos - and The Biggest Week in American Birding sounds phenomenal. Wish I was going!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much. And you really should go. It's a wonderful event!!

      Delete
  8. A fabulous teaser for spring, whenever that may arrive... :-)

    Can't wait to read your posts from your trip and see your photos, Linda!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! I'm so looking forward to the trip. It's going to be great fun to see the Ohio birds and birders!

      Delete
  9. Looking forward to seeing you there!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  11. It sounds like a wonderful event! How glorious it must be to see all these colorful warblers in one area. Stunning photographs, Linda!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for your kind comments Julie. I am getting very excited about returning to the festival in May!

      Delete
  12. Hey Linda.. A bevy of beautiful warbler shots..Well done! Glad you are going again..will be looking forward to your posts!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Cindy! I'm already getting excited about the event. Hope the snow there melts before May!

      Delete