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Q:
A lot of the
field trips appear to be sold out all ready.
Are there still opportunities for guided trips?
A: YES! Every day
during the festival, registered participants are
eligible for FREE GUIDED WALKS! These walks will
be offered at the two main birding hotspots in
the area.
Guided walks will be offered at 8:00 AM, 11:00
AM, and 3:00 PM at the Magee Marsh Boardwalk.
And, at 3:00 PM each day a GUIDED SHOREBIRD WALK
will be offered at the Ottawa National Wildlife
Refuge.
Just show up, flash your festival name badge and
you're in! Tropical Birding will have
plenty of world-class leaders on-hand so group
sizes will be managed to ensure a quality guided
birding experience!
Q:
I don't see the Jet Express Guided Field Trips
to Point Pelee on the registration page. How do
I register?
A: TO register for the
Jet Express trips you must call the Jet Express
directly at:
800-245-1538
Q: What is the Biggest Week in American Birding?
A: Amazing. A 10 day “week” of the
best birding North America has to offer. If you
are anywhere else in the world in mid-May, you
are in the wrong place. Think about it: A 10 day
long birding event featuring workshops, free
guided birding activities, half day birding bus
tours, keynote speakers, and more, which is
scheduled from May 6, 2010 to May 16, 2010.
Among the myriad of events offered (almost all
of which will be free) will be ID workshops;
Woodcock Extravaganzas to observe the
extraordinary displays of these woodland
shorebirds; daily “warbler workouts” on the
Magee boardwalk; daily visits to the neighboring
Ottawa NWR, a local hotspot for waterbirds;
multiple evening talks; digiscoping workshops by
optics experts; birding by ear workshops; and a
number of presentations on world birding. On top
of all of that, birding guru Kenn Kaufman will
be holding talks on a variety of birding
subjects over nine nights of the festival,
including programs that focus on migration, art,
and history as related to birds.
Q: Where is this event held?
A: It all takes place in Northwest
Ohio, based around Black Swamp Bird Observatory, Magee Marsh, and Ottawa
National Wildlife Refuge, along the Lake Erie
shore approximately 25 miles east of Toledo and
85 miles west of Cleveland, Ohio.
Q: Who is
organizing the Biggest Week?
A: The Biggest Week is a collaborative
effort between local area organizations Black
Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO), Ottawa National
Wildlife Refuge, Kaufman Field Guide
series, international bird tour company,
Tropical Birding, and Magee Marsh Wildlife Area.
Q: Are most of the
events free?
A: Yes, most of the events are free of
charge. Some of the Observatory events have a
minimal charge and require that you be a Black
Swamp Bird Observatory member. All proceeds from
these activities benefit the Observatory's
education and research efforts.
Q: Will the guiding
be professional?
A: Absolutely; all the guides are
professionals who guide bird tours all over the
world. They are donating their time to BSBO to
make this event possible, and want to give you
the best birding experience possible.
Q: Why come to
Northwest Ohio in May?
A: Because it is quite simply the best
birding in North America at this time. The
southern edge of Lake Erie acts as a barrier
that the birds are reluctant to cross. They tend
to "pile up" in the woodlots surrounded by
marshland on the lake’s southern edge. This
habitat is exactly what Magee Marsh and Ottawa
NWR provide.
Q: What birds will
I see during this time?
A: A bird list is provided for the
area with likely species during this time.
Click
here for the list. But in
short, you should expect to see at least 20
warbler species every day, along with masses of
thrushes, vireos, flycatchers, orioles, and
other migrants in the woods, plus shorebirds and
others in the more open areas.
Q: What are the likely
warblers to be seen during the week?
A: Although the number of species seen
will depend on the birder, time spent and the
weather patterns, it is likely that an active
birder on the walks and birding alone will see
the vast majority if not all of the following :
American Redstart, Black-and-white Warbler,
Blackburnian Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler,
Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black-throated
Green Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, Canada
Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Cerulean Warbler,
Chestnut-sided Warbler, Common Yellowthroat,
Golden-winged Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Magnolia
Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Nashville Warbler,
Northern Parula, Northern Waterthrush,
Orange-crowned Warbler, Ovenbird, Palm Warbler,
Pine Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Tennessee
Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Yellow Warbler,
Yellow-rumped Warbler. Several others such as
Yellow-throated Warbler and Worm-eating Warbler
are possible. In addition, the super-rare
Kirtland’s Warbler also passes through, and has
been seen during this period, but it is not to
be expected.
Q: Besides the warblers, how does the birding
rate?
A: After you have had your fill
of warblers for the day or week, there are
plenty of other options to keep you going. No
birder is likely to get bored in this area in
May. The marshlands around Magee Marsh and
Ottawa NWR hold vast numbers of waterbirds such
as swans, heron, and egrets. Ottawa is drawing
down water levels in some areas so birders will
be able to get great looks at most of the inland
shorebird species, including Dunlin, dowitchers,
yellowlegs, and sandpipers. Surrounding
woodlands hold most of the resident species from
the Great Lakes region, so if chasing Red-headed
Woodpeckers is your thing, you will be well
served.
Q: Are there any
tidal considerations for shorebirds?
A: No not tidal, but wind plays a big
part in changing water levels around the
edge of the lake. If there is a strong
northerly, the mudflats of Crane Creek will be
covered. Now for the most part, we will be
watching shorebirds in ponds that have been
drawn down in Ottawa NWR, so the water levels
will be stable through the day, and fluctuate
little from day to day. If wind conditions are
such that Crane Creek mudflats are the place to
be, we will have the message out.
Q: What are the
best birding localities to visit?
A: Must sees include Magee Marsh
Boardwalk for warblers and other songbird
migrants; Ottawa NWR for warblers, shorebirds,
and waterbirds; Black Swamp Bird Observatory for
American Woodcocks and migrants visiting the
water feature outside the window on wildlife; Metzger Marsh for waterbirds and
migrant songbirds; Oak Opening for woodland
species, and other hotspots including Cedar Point
National Wildlife Refuge for the lucky few who can get into this highly
restricted area on one of the bus trips.
Q: How difficult
will the birding be?
A: For the most part very easy, with many
warblers at eye level and water birds at close
range. For some of the more difficult species we
have guides available free of charge to help you
out around the clock (almost). At any time grab
one of them – you’ll recognize them by their red
caps – and fire away.
Q: Will I need to bring
anything other than my normal birding gear?
A: No special clothing required, and
there will be no drudging through mud. This is
just too easy. If you usually carry a scope,
remember to take it to Ottawa NWR, but you can
leave it in the car at Magee Marsh boardwalk.
Keep in mind that the weather can be fickle at
this time of year in northwest Ohio. Bring
layers, and be prepared for changes in
temperature that can change dramatically from
day-to-day.
Q: I’m interested in bird photography; are there
any good photo opportunities?
A: Last year, Kenn Kaufman made the claim that
“during the month of May, there are more warbler
photos taken in northwest Ohio than in all the
rest of the USA combined!” While we can’t prove
that’s true, it probably is, and for good
reasons. Not only are there a LOT of warblers
around, but these little gems come down from
their usual treetop haunts to cavort at eye
level here.
If you carry a huge camera lens mounted on a
tripod, you may find conditions a bit crowded on
the boardwalk at times, but there are ample
opportunities along the north edge of the woods
and many photographers have their best luck
there. Alternatively, if you use your camera
hand-held, you’re likely to find many willing
subjects posing all along the boardwalk – even
if warblers tend to pose only briefly!
Q: What is the earliest and latest I can go
birding at Magee Marsh and Ottawa NWR?
A: Both places are open from dawn till
dusk. There will be guides available to help you
from around 7 am through till 7 pm on most days
at Magee Marsh. At Ottawa the guides will start
at around 8 am and will be available until dusk,
though this is contingent on what rarities are
around, so you may see us running the other way!
Q: Are some times
of the day better than others?
A: Yes, the mornings and afternoons are better
for most songbirds, though if there is a buildup
overnight it can be pumping all day. We suggest
that people are out looking by 8am and take the
middle of the day to relax, visit the visitors
center and get a BBQ.
Q: Is there any archive
material from last year to give me an idea of
what the birding will be like?
A: Oh yes. Go to the BSBO website and
there is a link to daily write-ups from the BSBO
guides and Kenn Kaufman. This will give you a
very good idea of what is around. This year will
be different in that there will be more guides
looking, and reporting what is where. So expect
the best and you will still not be disappointed.
Q: How can I get
about up to the minute rarities or special news?
A:
To get real time information on what is
happening log onto Twitter and start following
username
biggestweek.
Q: Where will the nightly presentations be?
A: Talks will be held at Our Guest Inn
and Suites, in the nearby town of Port Clinton,
and at Ottawa NWR visitors’ center near BSBO.
Q: How many talks
are there every night?
A: Most nights there will be three
presentations in two locations. Where these are
a double feature, there will be an intermission
and a chance to get a coffee. The basic
breakdown is a longer Kenn Kaufman presentation
in one location, and two other speakers doing
shorter presentations in the other locations.
The exceptions to this are the Keith Barnes and
Alan Davies & Ruth Miller talks which involve
longer presentations and require single billing.
Q: OK, the birding
is great, the workshops useful , and the talks
very entertaining, what about the social aspects
of birding?
A: Socializing is something that we
organizing this event hold close to our hearts.
We feel that besides just looking at the birds,
we want to build friendships within the birding
community, and because of this we have social
events spread through the 10 days. Be it a get
together, a birders’ karaoke night, or chilling
out in the middle of the day with a BBQ at BSBO,
we hope there will be a lot of social
interaction between local, interstate, and
international birders. At any point, drop into
the BSBO office and ask what’s going on that
day.
Q: Do I need to be
an expert birder to attend the bird walks?
A: No, absolutely not. All levels of
birders are welcome. The warbler walks will
concentrate on seeing all the target species for
the area so may not spend as much time on common
species as wanted by some beginners. We suggest
that beginners take advantage of the beginner
walks in the mornings to deal with the basics,
do a water bird and shorebird workshop, and then
hit the Magee Marsh Boardwalk in the afternoon.
By the end of a 4 day visit, you will know the
ropes and be pulling in great birds like the
rest of us.
Q: My partner is
not a birder, will there be things for a
non-birder to do?
A: Visit the
Non-birder Activities link on
this site which will provide a number of
activities and sightseeing opportunities
including history, museums, shopping and golf
courses. We expect that a non-birder could
easily spend a week in the area and still not
have covered what this area has to offer.
Q: What about kids,
can they come?
A: Kids are welcome if accompanied by
a parent or guardian. We have family walks out
of Ottawa NWR every day, so there is ample
opportunity for everyone to go birding.
Promoting youth birding is one of the main
priorities of the BSBO, so please, bring them
along and let’s get more youngsters enthused.
Q: Will there be
optics for beginners to use in the field?
A: For people on the Ottawa
beginner walk and shorebird walks, there will be
a limited number of binoculars for use free of
charge for the duration of the walk. The Magee
Marsh Bird Center also has binoculars to loan
out. However,
for a minimal investment of less than $200 for
beginner binoculars, or $350 for acceptable mid
range binoculars, you can get gear that will be
yours for years. Drop into the BSBO store and
ask one of the birders for advice on which is
best for you.
Q: Do I need to
pre-register?
A: Yes, the workshops, bus tours, and
evening programs require pre-registration. To
register on-line, click the registration button.
You may select as many events as your schedule
permits. The only limitations are the bus trips
to Oak Openings which are limited to one visit
per person with pre registration, and secondary
visits based on bookings. The Ottawa-based bus
trips to Cedar Point NWR are also limited to one
per person with Ohio residents getting first
chance at access to this very special reserve.
Others can register on a standby basis.
Q: Are there any
events I do not need to register for?
A: Yes, the guided bird walks,
family/beginner bird walks, and shorebird and waterbird bird walks do not require registration. Just
show up at the designated location at the
designated time.
Q: What is the
cancellation policy?
A: Regardless of the activity, we ask
that if you change your plans you let us know.
For the fee based activities, a full refund will
be provided if you cancel prior to April 25th.
We're sorry, but, after April 25th we can no
longer issue refunds.
Q: I am interested
in upgrading my optics. Will there be someone
there to answer my questions on what to by next?
A: The Observatory carries a variety
of optic brands for you to try out and can
assist you with all of your optic questions.
Q: Where is the
best place to stay during the event?
A: There is a good selection of
lodging in Port Clinton, 16 miles to the east,
and in Oregon, 12 miles west of this event site.
Refer to the Area Lodging button on the site for
suggestions. We encourage you to visit
businesses that support Black Swamp Bird
Observatory through our BSBO Business Alliance
program! Please ask when making your
reservations; many of the local hotels and
restaurants donate a portion of your bill back
to the Observatory if you mention that you heard
about their establishment through us!
Q: The restaurants
seem to be at least 30 minutes away. Where else
can I grab a quick bite to eat for lunch?
A: Black Swamp Bird Observatory, at
the entrance to Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, will
have sandwiches available for sale, and on
Saturdays and Sundays, the Observatory operates
a Hotdog Fundraiser. This will also give you a
great opportunity to socialize with the Tropical
Birding, BSBO and Ottawa NWR guides in a more
relaxed environment. Remember, this is about
hanging out with other birders as well as just
seeing the beauties.
Q: What are the
closest airports to this event?
A: The Cleveland Hopkins airport is 85
miles east and the Detroit Metro Airport is 70
miles northwest of Oak Harbor. This is where you
will get most flights from most major US cities
and international capitals. There is a smaller
airport at Toledo, which serves some local and
low cost carriers from the east coast.
Q: Where can I rent
a car?
A: There are car rental facilities from
Cleveland, Detroit, and Toledo. The easiest way
is just rent a car straight out of the Cleveland
or Detroit airports. You will not need anything
with high ground clearance or 4WD, so a sedan is
just fine and cheap.
Q: What will the
weather be like in mid-May?
A: Temperatures range from the mid-fifties to
mid-seventies Fahrenheit which can feel cool
since we are along Lake Erie. There are some
days where the midday temperatures are lower
than those in the early morning, so be prepared
with a coat at most times.
Q: I have
additional questions, who can I call?
A: For further inquiries before the event
call the Observatory at 419-898-4070 or Tropical
Birding at 800-348-5941. Once the Biggest Week
starts, we will have other numbers you can call
at any time to see what is happening. And feel
free to ask questions. Remember, we were all new
to this once, so no question is too offbeat.
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