In the Magee region of n.w. Ohio, with southerly winds the last two nights,
the numbers and variety of migrants improved on Tuesday, April 30, and then
exploded today, Wednesday, May 1st.  In terms of numbers, today's flight
was still dominated by Yellow-rumped Warblers, Palm Warblers, and
White-throated Sparrows, with lesser numbers of Nashville and
Black-throated Green warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Blue-gray
Gnatcatchers, all species typical of the early part of the migration.  But
today those dominant species were joined by a few individuals of many other
species, making for a very satisfying day of birding for everyone who got
out in the area.

The very small woodlot at the end of the road at Metzger Marsh Wildlife
Area was hopping with migrants, including at least 13 species of warblers
in the afternoon.  A male Hooded Warbler and an early Blackpoll Warbler
were among the highlights, along with four species of vireos (White-eyed,
Blue-headed, Warbling, and Red-eyed).

The boardwalk at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area produced more than 20 species of
warblers during the day.  The biggest surprise was a very early Mourning
Warbler, a cooperative male seen on and off all day just inside the west
end of the boardwalk; the biggest crowd-pleaser was a male Cerulean Warbler
present most of the day in the same area.  Other species seen in small
numbers at the boardwalk included Blackburnian, Cape May, Prothonotary,
Orange-crowned, Blue-winged, Magnolia, and Black-throated Blue warblers,
plus Veery, Lincoln's Sparrow, and multiple Scarlet Tanagers.  The Magee
east beach produced Orchard Oriole, Pine Siskin, Ovenbird, and other
migrants.

Altogether, at least 25 species of warblers were seen in the immediate area
today. Things are likely to be very good tomorrow also (Thursday, May 2nd),
with southeasterly or easterly winds overnight and with the current radar
picture showing a major movement to the south of us.

Note for anyone coming to Magee Marsh:  The Ohio Division of Wildlife has
cordoned off a section of the parking lot adjacent to a new Bald Eagle nest
at the edge of the woods.  The closed area is clearly marked.  The
boardwalk is still open, and most of the parking lot is still open, so we
still have a huge area available for birding.  Please show respect for the
eagles and for the Division of Wildlife by staying out of the closed area.
 Thanks!

Kenn Kaufman
Oak Harbor, Ohio

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