Good arrival of migrants

Palm Warbler at the Magee Marsh boardwalk: Things are looking up. Photo by Kenn Kaufman.

Posted by Ryan Jacob and Kenn Kaufman on Monday, May 4: As predicted in our last post, the birding situation has improved tremendously since the end of last week. A decent trickle of migrants arrived Saturday, many more on Sunday, and today was the best day so far this spring in the Magee Marsh area.

According to our observations and conversations, at least 27 species of warblers were confirmed between the Magee Marsh and Metzger Marsh Wildlife Areas today. Yellow-rumped Warblers were still the most numerous by far, with good numbers of Palm, Black-throated Green, Nashville, Yellow, and others, plus a good sprinkling of other species. Highlights included Canada and Hooded Warblers at Metzger, and Kentucky and Golden-winged Warblers at Magee. Many orioles and Scarlet Tanagers were in evidence. A major flight of Pine Siskins developed over the last two days, with flocks moving along the lake shore and small groups visiting feeders in the area. 

Birding should continue to be good this afternoon between rain showers. Winds are supposed to shift around to the north late tonight, and to stay northerly through at least midday Wednesday, so we probably won't see many migrants arriving during the next couple of days. Most of the birds that are here should stick around, though. And even with a lot of rain in the forecast, the birding should be excellent in between showers. 

A tip for birding the area when the wind shifts to the north or northeast: areas right along the lake, such as the woodlot at Metzger Marsh and the parking lot edge at Magee, won't be as good in these conditions. Some of the migrants seem to filter inland, so birding might be better just a little south of the lake. Try the woods at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge or the Gallagher Trail behind Black Swamp Bird Observatory.