Whenever we get the chance to bird at Magee Marsh in Ohio during spring migration, we have to take it. Sharon’s flight was nearly three hours late, which gave Mike time to visit the Football Hall of Fame. We went straight from the airport to the boardwalks, squeezing in some birding before dark.
The cold, breezy weather in 2019 made it less “birdy” than usual, with more birders than warblers on the famous boardwalks. Despite this, we still saw eleven warbler species, including some of our favorites like the Cape May, Magnolia, and Chestnut-sided Warblers. A well-camouflaged Eastern Screech-Owl and a new Ohio bird for us, a Sora, also made an appearance. Forty-four species in under two hours? I’d call that a great start.
The next morning, we headed to Howard Marsh Metropark. The weather kept us mostly in the car, but we spotted a Horned Lark, a few ducks, Caspian Terns, and several small shorebirds we weren’t expecting. Later, a drive down Seaman Road rewarded us with six Tundra Swans, a target bird for our Ohio trip.
Flooding from Lake Erie made birding a challenge, with many spots unreachable. Several roads were flooded, requiring us to drive slowly. We tried to visit Pipe Creek, but the water was simply too high. Despite the conditions, we saw many good birds in a nearby field, including a Baltimore Oriole and an American Goldfinch. The Barn and Tree Swallows put on a spectacular show.
Our brief stop at Niagara Falls was a complete rainout for birding before sunset. Our best luck was at the casino, where we got free buffets just for signing up. The night, however, was magical as we watched the incredible light show on the falls from both the American and Canadian sides.
On our way back to the Central Adirondacks, we made our usual stop at Matteson’s Market in Woodgate, New York. Inside the greenhouse, we watched a Ruby-throated Hummingbird buzzing around one specific plant. Out of courtesy, we chose a different one—which, surprisingly, attracted a hummingbird to our home! If you’re ever traveling on State Route 28, we highly recommend stopping at Matteson’s for some of the best baked goods and stuffed cabbage you’ll ever find.
Every day is a new adventure, and we can’t wait to see what other natural wonders we find and share. From the bustling boardwalks of Magee Marsh to the quiet serenity of our backyard, each experience reminds us of the endless beauty waiting to be discovered.
Trip Birds: 65 Year Birds: 12 Life Birds: 0
Next Up: ADK Yard Birds & Butterflies
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