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May 1997

Summer season updates of this page are likely to be once a week given the reduced birding traffic.

The flurry of warbler activity at the Shaker Lakes included a late Worm-eating Warbler last Wed. evening - Gary Smith. Friday night Jim Fry has a Chuck-will's-widow calling from northwestern Hocking County - possibly a county first. Combined with persistent reports from Gallia County in recent years, perhaps birders in southeast Ohio should go about at night with a heightened awareness of this nightjar. Marcus England reports another central Ohio Connecticut Warbler, this one at Sharon Woods M.P. on the 27th. I've been informed that one the two nesting Short-eared Owls at The Wilds in Muskingum County have been successful in hatching FIVE young - possibly the first successful nesting in 30 years - Jason Larson. Lingering migrants include a male Black-throated Blue Warbler singing just across the street here in Tiffin this morning. - V.W.F.III.

The Heath (Licking Co.) Snowy Owl remains as of Fri. the 23rd (1 day off the latest spring date) - Marje Baughman

The first Red Knot report I have is for last Wed. on the beach at Crane Creek S.P. - Kent Glauser. Another was found yesterday at Metzger Marsh W.A. - David Dister. David also had 200 Dunlin and 6 Whimbrelthere yesterday. Today no Whimbrel but 3 Red Knot, 930 Dunlin, a few turnstone, and 4 Ruddy Duck. - V.W.F.III. Apparently the draw-down at Metzger has already started. The only Sanderling report I have for the western marshes is one at Maumee Bay S.P. a week ago. The Worm-eating Warbler from yesterday continues at the Magee Marsh Bird Trail - today offering prolonged open views. Much of the same variety but slightly fewer numbers of migrants also remain on the bird trail including lingering Yellow-rumped Warblers. An immature Sharp-shinned Hawk in Bayview (Erie County) today was hard to explain as were the 5 Turkey Vulture over South Bass Island this morning flying in from the north heading to Catawba Island. Woodlots at the east end of the island were packed with migrants - a 1 hour walk along public roads netted 15 warbler species in various front yards despite a brisk northeasterly wind. The small craft advisory kept the usual flotilla of fishing vessels at bay. No Brown Pelican sighting. - V.W.F.III [for the curious a walkon round trip ticket to South Bass Island is $9.00 with 3 vessels in continual ferry service from about 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bike and golf cart rentals are available but its possible to bird virtually the entire island on foot.].

Sim's Park in the Cleveland area held 22 warbler species the 24th including Golden-winged and Connecticut Warbler. A Henslow's Sparrow there was a local rarity. - Cleveland RBA. Another Connecticut Warbler was noted by Cece Johnston along the bikepath south of Greenlawn Ave (Columbus). Cece further reports:
"This afternoon a Lark Sparrow was present at Killdeer Plains on County road 71 just east of Cedaroak Farms new barn. This is a couple hundred yards west of the area where a pair nested the summer of '95. "

Another Brewster's Warbler report has surfaced from Irwin Prairie from the 24th. Also that day several Dickcissel in and around the entrance to Little Portage W.A. along with a Prothonotary Warbler at the entrance. - Toledo RBA. A pair of Prothonotary's persist at the woods at Ottawa N.W.R. through the weekend. - mobs.

A Brown Pelican has been reported from the waters south of South Bass Island for this past Friday. There are 3-4 acceptable records for Ohio.

The Magee Marsh Bird Trail was full of warbler song today - actually a bit bizarre for the 25th of May. We should be seeing the late female/1st year waves not adult Black-throated Greens, or dozens of Bay-breasted Warblers, and what was the widely viewed Worm-eating Warbler thinking overshooting this time of year - or does he have some place to go north of here as yet undiscovered? - V.W.F.III. First trail reports of Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Alder Flycatcher today - m.obs.

More on inland shorebirding: It seems that a new concrete spillway, in the shape of a horseshoe, at the west end of Grand Lake (Mercer Co.) may be worth checking out. Last Sunday evening David Dister was rewarded with 4 Dunlin, 82 Ruddy Turnstone [High count inland], and 25 Sanderling [unprecedented in spring for the state!]. In the far southwest the settling pond at Winton Woods has hosted White-rumped Sandpiper, Stilt Sandpiper, and up to 40 Short-billed Dowitchers - Cincinnati RBA.In what has evidently been an above average year for White-rumped Sandpiper 3 additional birds were at Spring Valley W.A. last weekend. - Dayton RBA. Future shorebirding: Rumour has it that draw-downs of Killdeer Plains and Toussaint Marsh Wildlife Areas are to take place soon.

I understand that I will be receiving documentation of a Virginia's Warbler from last Saturday at Lake Isaac in Cuyahoga County. Local birders were notified at the time with subsequent searches on Sunday failing to turn up the bird. Note that this predates the Virginia's Warbler found this week near Whitefish Point. I have received documentation of a Lark Sparrow from the Zanesville area for May 2nd.

A Brewster's Warbler, singing a Golden-winged Warbler song, was located today at the Chrsitmas Tree Farm near the Horseshoe Pond area within the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area. -Sean Zadar. Cece Johnston reports from Adams County "Dickcissels at two locations Eagle Creek road and Spurgeon Hill road, Blue Grosbeaks on Spurgeon Hill road also Staten road." Cece has also hosted a Summer Tanager these past 5 days at her sunflower feeder. Another extra-limital Summer Tanager was banded last Monday at Lakeshore Metropark, where more than 100 Baltimore Oriole were also banded that day. The Short-eared Owl at Killdeer Plains WA was seen this evening at 5:00 p.m. " in a field on the east side of County Road 115, south of the maintenance buildings and north of County Road 75" - Bill and Debra Marsh. Lingering waterfowl at Big Island yesterday included male Northern Shoveler and Ruddy Duck. Jim Fry further reports Short-billed Dowitcher and White-rumped Sandpiper at Big Island and at a flooded field elsewhere in Marion County the following tally :

15 Semipalmated Plover
5 Black-bellied Plover
5 Ruddy Turnstones
4 White-rumped Sandpipers
Least Sandpiper
64 Dunlin
2 Semipalmated Sandpipers

After tonight there should be a few more of these flooded fields around. A good time to fill in the gaps in our knowledge regarding inland shorebird migration.

Good warbler numbers persist along lake Erie with Headlands Beach S.P. reporting today 24 species including Connecticut Warbler. Also significant numbers of Blackpoll, American Redstart, and 3 Mourning Warbler. Least Bittern and 50+ Red-eyed Vireo were among additional highlights - Larry Rosche. Another Connecticut Warbler was a songful for many but rarely an eyeful at Magee Marsh Bird Trail today. Just how many Mourning Warbler were present was impossible to pin down - a dozen would seem low - even out on the dikes of Ottawa looking at shorebirds, one could check the movement in a nearby willow and find a Mourning Warbler. - V.W.F.III. The Golden-winged Warbler at Shaker Lakes was present yesterday - Pete Munson.

Waterbirds at Killdeer Plains WA on Wed. included 4 Red-breasted Merganser, 2 Hooded Merganser, 2 Gadwall, 1 Ring-necked Duck, 3 Lesser Scaup, 11 Double-crested Cormorant, 220 Ring-billed Gull, and 6 Common Tern. - V.W.F.III A Short-eared Owl was present there Wed. near the Sportmen's Center - John Herman. There is an excellent chance the species is breeding this year as a pair had been reported in the same area earlier this month. Jason Larson relates that the Muskingum College grassland survey on The Wilds turned up TWO Short-eared Owl nests last week. Cam Lee reports 18 Black-bellied Plover and 2 Ruddy Turnstones at Big Island Wildlife Area on Wed. I missed those but did have 1 Greater, 3 Lesser Yellowlegs, 1 Solitary Sandpiper, 60 Dunlin, and 9 Least Sandpipers. Also reported from the Espyville road area of Big Island an Upland Sandpiper as recently as yesterday. - John Herman

The Shaker Lakes, the other Ohio warbler haven, has hosted at least 21 warbler species for several days through Wed. in the area just below Lower Lake. These have included Golden-winged Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Parula, and multiple Palm Warblers. - m.obs.

My semi-annual census of a 2 mile loop road through Zaleski State Forest in Athens County yesterday picked up the usual 14 (+2) territorial warbler species including 20+ singing Hooded, 30 singing Ovenbird, but only 3 Worm-eating, and 6 Pine (late in the season). Four terr. of hummingbirds including a female on a nest were new. Migrants included Golden-winged, Blackpoll, Bay-breasted, Tennessee, and Nashville, but what to make of the two Black-throated Greens apparently holding terr. and a singing Magnolia Warbler moving back and forth through a piny-hemlock ravine? Neither is known as a breeder in the county. Equally unexpected a White-throated Sparrow at the Magnolia site. - V.W.F.III

CENTRAL :Connecticut Warbler was found at Green lawn Cemetary - Dan Sanders. Two adult Laughing Gull were at Delaware Wildlife Area on the 17th as were 18 Black-bellied Plover - Don Burton. Also at Delaware W.A. on the 12th three lingering Redhead - Jed Burtt. Very rare in spring a Stilt Sandpiper was located at Big Island Wildlife Area.

NORTHEAST : Connecticut Warbler at the Shaker lakes on the 17th. Larry Rosche reports from Headlands Beach S.P. A Peregrine Falcon was the top raptor. Migrant tallies included: 100+ Common Terns, 34 Eastern Kingbirds, 25 Palm Warbler, 45 Warbling Vireo. Another Clay-colored Sparrow was located on the 18th at Wildwood park in Cleveland - Cleveland RBA.

NORTHWEST : The last report I have for the Ottawa N.W.R. Little Blue Heron is for Saturday - Charles Gambill. For those visiting the Magee Marsh Bird Trail an Eastern Screech-Owl has spent Sun. and Mon. in the same roost area along the boardwalk (10 yards north of the east end of the bridge).

The first and perhaps only great fallout of the season took place yesterday across the northern part of Ohio. Dan Webb and I managed 120 species for the morning in the immediate vicinity of Ottawa/Crane Creek highlighted by brilliant views of the King Rail flushed off the causeway and subsequently walking along the edge of the marsh. Two pairs of American Bittern were conspicuous by their tandem courtship flights over Mallard Club Marsh. Diurnal migration lakeside was heavy for Bobolink (350+), Cedar Waxwing (500 +), and Eastern Kingbird (100+ overhead ; another 40 from roadside perches), and a couple of late pipits. Most every woodlot was full of warbler chips with an outstanding number of Ovenbird, Blackburnian, Magnolia, and Chestnut-sided Warblers, with good numbers of Bay-breasted Warbler. While Black-throated Blue, Yellow-rumped Warbler remained in the higher than normal numbers of the past week. To record multiple Palm Warblers at Magee Marsh this late is also unusual. At least 28 species of warbler were present along the Magee Marsh Bird Trail yesterday. More if someone found an actual Blue-winged Warbler as two different birds shown to me were mostly Blue-winged but possessed yellow wingbars - a version of a Brewster's hybrid. Other highlights of the trail include a very cooperative and widely viewed Connecticut Warbler, 6 Mourning Warbler, a Kentucky Warbler, and a male Golden-winged Warbler. Perhaps most intriguing were the reports of a possible Swainson's Warbler. I faced down the proponents of this identification with appropriate skepticism, and I came away with a sense that the three independent parties had indeed seen a Swainson's Warbler. I have no doubt that this will be met by an appropriate level of skepticism by my readership, but for those visiting the area soon you may wish to keep an open mind and eye for this species. The principal sightings (all brief) came from the very beginning of the boardwalk (west end) in the late a.m. and subsequently a 4th report from east of the bridge around 3:30 p.m. The parties involve persons from West Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, and Ontario and did not necessarily know of each others sightings. Behaviour and field marks were consistent across reports and would be hard to reconcile with any other species. - V.W.F. III

Elsewhere: Inland woodlots have also faired well with fallout activity as evidenced by the 3 Worm-eating Warblers at Springville Marsh (Seneca Co.) on Sunday (fide Dan Webb. Read the Youngstown RBA for yesterdays fallout details from the northeast. A male and female Northern Pintail were at Pickerel Creek W.A. yesterday (Parking Lot E). - V.W.F.III.

Craig Rieker et al. report a Mississipi Kite at Toussaint Marsh W.A. yesterday.

I failed to locate the Tricolored Heron at Pickerel Creek W.A. today, however as I was driving past the dikes along Rt 6 a Bald Eagle got up much of the waterbirds in the marsh including a Plegadis ibis. Subsequent checks of several impoundments could not relocate the ibis but turned up a variety of shorebirds including a male Wilson's Phalarope (north of the platform) and Willet (eastern parking lot). Another surprise including a singing male Blue Grosbeak along the northeastern dike area (bayside). At Rt 2 and 269 the Mute Swan pair, nesting since 1989, have 7 young. - V.W.F.III

Thorough searches for the Kirtland's Warbler this morning and afternoon failed to turn up anything more than a few Palm Warblers on the beach. The Bird Trail was a shadow of yesterday although 4 Mourning Warbler represents an an increase. The Least Bittern was left blank on most Ottawa N.W.R. checklists today. However, the male Golden-winged Warbler persists for the 4th day along the southern edge of the Blue Heron Trail woodlot immediately west of the 1st pond. Inland sites were still very active with 22 warbler species recorded at Springville Marsh, Seneca County within a few hours.The first migrant Acadian Flycatcher for the northwest was banded there this morning - (fide Tom Bartlett). The Sandhill Crane seen arriving at Mallard Club Marsh WA yesterday by Bob Conlon, remained today - m.obs. Another Willet was detected at Toussaint Marsh WA today. while a female Wilson's Phalarope was along Rt 19 in Crawford Co. about 11 miles north of Bucyrus (M. Baughman). Marjorie also reports a healthy Heath Snowy Owl as recently as Friday. In all the recent excitement I overlooked a male Wilson's Phalaropereport at Big Island W.A. last Thur. - Todd Chapman. Also Jenny Brumfield reports a 1st yr male Summer Tanager at the Ira Rd Trailhead in the Cuyahoga Valley Nat'l. Recreation Area last Wed.

The Ring-billed Gull colony at Dock 20 (Whiskey Island Marina vicinity) now numbers 8700 nest up from 6600 last year and 4600 the year before. There are now 40 Herring Gulls nesting up from the first 28 attempts last year. - fide Bob Finkelstein

What a day at Magee Marsh, a day I didn't want to end. No great fallout of numbers, no overwhelming variety, just an ornithological day where this and that, here and there, out in the sun just beyond arm's length, animated bundles of feathers foraged oblivious to their human audience. We don't know if he was keeping a log book but by days end the Kirtland's Warbler had a people list in excess of 2000. This was indeed the bird of the hour. However, not the bird of the day. That distinction best fits a bird spotted by the Indiana contingent et al. led by Brad Etter as they drove south along the Magee Marsh causeway. Speculative first look of the strange wingbeat coming straight at them brought to mind a Kite? Piling out only to have a full adult Long-tailed Jaegar fly on past at 3:25 p.m.; as Long-tails are want to do in Ohio. The extraordinary spring sighting matches remarkably the scenario of the June 2nd 1991 flyby at Ottawa N.W.R.

John and Elaine Snively report:
Sat. 17 May: Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area
A Tricolored Heron was on the mud flats near parking area E. An adult in breeding plummage seen late in the afternoon--6:00 p.m. This area is located just west of Castalia on Rt. 6.

Elsewhere: A Sandhill Crane flew into Mallard Club Marsh today -Bob Conlon. The Least Bittern at Ottawa N.W.R. was once again cooperative for hundreds of observers today. Both Western Meadowlarks were present today with the bird at the Crane Creek entrance off rt 2 especially vocal. - m.obs. Late in the day (6:30 p.m.) a flock of calling Whimbrel (11) flew west over Magee Marsh following the beach. - V.W.F.III

The male Kirtland's Warbler continues to entertain hundreds of birders at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area. as of 1:00 p.m. ; viewed continuously since 7:00 a.m. The past two days the bird was observed at least as late as 7:30 p.m. Northwest winds currently are likely a deterrent for any imminent departure. The bird is along the beach east of the main causeway out to Crane Creek S.P. Park immediately north of the causeway before turning west to the Magee Marsh Bird Trail. Follow the crowd along the beach to the current location generally about a 300 yard hike. Provided the crowd of photographers is not very large the energetic bird makes forays often within 2-3 meters of where one is standing. - V.W.F.III

Briefly : The Bird Trail is fairly active with an obvious influx of migrants yet really no outstanding fallout. Good numbers of Black-billed Cuckoos and Gray-cheeked Thrushes, arrivals such as Yellow-bellied and Olive-sided Flycatchers mingled with lingering Winter Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglets (double-digits in the latter half of May!), and 50+ Palm Warblers (normal 1-2). No word on the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher since 10:00 a.m. yesterday. Adult Little Blue Heron still present yesterday at Ottawa N.W.R. but the American Avocet went missing again. - V.W.F.III

On a bizarre note along the causeway at Magee Marsh I had a Herring Gull down a downy Pied-billed Grebe chick. What is noteworthy is that the earliest date for a Pied-billed chick for Ohio is May 18th. - V.W.F. III

Several attempts to relocate the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher were finally successful at 8:45 a.m. The bird was half way along the entrance road at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge on the east side appx. keeping within 50 yard radius of a lone tree in the marsh. The bird was actively foraging in the company of a couple of kingbirds. I left the bird at 9:00 a.m. No reason why this bird should NOT spend the day. The weather is to be windy and very cool. - V.W.F.III

The American Avocet continues as does the Least Bittern (possibly two now) at Ottawa N.W.R. - m.obs. The first Ruddy Turnstones are in at the Rt 2 entrance to Metzger Marsh and the beach at Crane Creek S.P. - V.W.F.III

Elsewhere: Don't forget to cover inland shorebirding sites Delaware WA, Big Island WA, and from the recent report of 25 Black-bellied Plover (Len Powlick) also Killdeer Plains WA is worth checking as we head into the peak shorebird migration. The first Olive-sided Flycatcher of the season was seen at Green Lawn Cemetary Tuesday.

When it rains it . . .

A Kirtland's Warbler (singing male) was observed for appx. an hour (5:30-6:30 p.m.) on Kelly's Island - Rob Harlan et al. The bird was situated on private land accessible only through the Kelly's Island Audubon Society birdwalks. These birdwalks are scheduled for 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Thur./Fri./Sat. Meet at the Kelly's Island Municipal Bldg. at 120 Addison St. For further information you may wish to call Dolores Coles at 419-746-2856 [Ed. personal thanks for the details goes to Rob Harlan].
The Newman Ferry leaves Marblehead [for Kelly's Island] beginning at 7:30am then each hour on the half hour until 6:30pm. The return ferry from Kelleys Island is each hour on the hour until 7pm.- Cece Johnston

A more accessible bird should it remain was an afternoon sighting by many observers of a much sought after bird for Ohio a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher seen flitting about either side of the entrance to Ottawa N.W.R. - Bob Finkelstein et al..

The Hoffman's report:
Dick and I were very surprised this afternoon to find 3 Sandhill Cranes at Medusa Marsh [Erie Co.]. They were at the east side of the impoundment fronted by mudflats at Rtes 2 & 269 (the NE corner). They are adults with varying amounts of brown staining to the plumage.

Advice for the army of birders that the above sightings should field tommorrow - take a good look at any long-tailed terns out there. I have a highly suggestive report of a Roseate Tern - I would not mention such a thing had it not come from one of this state's more competent and careful observers.

The Least Bittern along the wildlife drive at Ottawa N.W.R. continues to entertain dozens of people as of this morning. Go to the third mallard sign along the east-west gravel road from the parking lot. Check the willows along the north side. The Magee Marsh Bird Trail was fairly quiet although once again inland woodlots such as at the parking lot of Ottawa N.W.R. (Northern Parula) and the southern end of the Magee Marsh causeway (Prairie and Hooded Warbler) held a nice variety this morning - V.W.F. III. A Little Blue Heron was in the first pond (west end) at Ottawa N.W.R. yesterday and continues today - m.obs. A Prothonotary Warbler could be found in the woodlot immediately west of that pond while viewing the heron. The American Avocet remains in the 2nd pond as of this morning - m.obs. The 7th Clay-colored Sparrow recorded during the two day 11-12th period was an individual at the entrance of Ottawa N.W.R. on Monday - Rob Harlan. Rob also had a Franklin's Gull at O.N.W.R. on Sunday and a Canada Warbler was near the restrooms the same day. King Rail continues along the Magee Marsh causeway this morning (southernmost end, west side). Magee Marsh personell report the Yellow-headed Blackbird has NOT been seen since Monday. A Worm-eating Warbler was present on the Bird Trail Monday-Tuesday - m.obs. Joe Hammond reports a Blue Grosbeak on the 9th and 2 Golden-winged Warblers on the 11th from Hueston Woods S.P. A Sedge Wren was singing at Frame Bog in Portage Co. this afternoon. - Larry Rosche

The Heath Snowy Owl was present yesterday although I understand extensive plowing of the field has taken place. Scott Albaugh passes along 3rd hand information that an observer noted an injured wing (skin exposed) and blood on the face. Joe hammond another observer yesterday relates that "[the bird] was being harassed by Red-winged Blackbirds, getting pecked in the head a few times". Where possible I would appreciate any further observations of this bird be accompanied by any informed assessment as to the bird's condition. - V.W.F.III

Mirroring the effort in Ottawa County this weekend the Miami Whitewater wetlands of the southwest produced a Clay-colored Sparrow on the 10th and TWO on the 11th. A Yellow-headed Blackbird was present both dates as well. Other highlights included 2 Sedge Wrens, a King Rail, and a heard only Black Rail; the latter has been documented only 3-4 times the past 20 years in Ohio. - Cincinnati Hotline and Dayton RBA.

The Harris' Sparrow in Wilmot was last noted on Sunday - Pat Soenhlen.

Greg Emmert and Shawn Veres located both the Tricolored and Little Blue Herons at the end of Toussaint-Club road yesterday. I wish to stress that this area is private property and the owner is sensitive to traffic. Make certain you do not investigate any further than the paved road. There are minnow ponds visited by the two herons at the T-section with Rider Rd. Several observers failed to locate the Rider Rd Clay-colored Sparrow {If anyone knows different please let me know}.

I failed to locate the Le Conte's Sparrow at Arcola Creek this morning although 410 Red-breasted Mergansers offshore were interesting. Headlands Beach S.P. was very quiet. The adult breeding plumage Laughing Gull was back with Ring-billed Gulls in the parking lot at Edgewater Park in Cleveland at midday. Bring some bread crumbs - while I was positioning the car for a few photographs carefull not to scare off the bird another car pulls up, a man steps out, drops a few crumbs, and voila, has a Laughing Gull at his feet. I understand the Magee Marsh Bird Trail lacked for variety yesterday but held unusual numbers of Black-and-White Warbler and Black-throated Blue Warbler. Tom LePage felt the BTBW's were nearly as numerous as Yellow-rumps! At least 1 male and 1 female Golden-winged Warbler has been present lately. Pete Whan indicates that the local Adams County Blue Grosbeaks are in. - V.W.F.III

SOUTHWEST: Another Brewster's Warbler was reported from the 10th at Spring Grove Cemetary. Two Golden-winged Warblers were noted at Englewood M.P. on the 12th and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo had finally arrived by the 8th at Germantown Reserve - Dayton RBA.

Pete Munson reports:
A Le Conte's Sparrow reported on the 9th at Arcola Creek was still there today at around 2 PM. To get there, take Rt. 2 east from Cleveland until it changes to Rt. 20, keep going on 20 until you pass through Madison. Past 528, there will be a sign for the park. Turn left on Dock Rd. and follow this road all the way to the lake. The pkg. lot is just before the dead end of the road. There is a fenced in grassy area adjacent to the parking lot. The sparrow is in the fenced in area.

Tom Kemp reports:
There were two Clay-colored sparrows in my yard this morning (May 11). The address is 7021 Manore Rd. [Whitehouse] which is about 1 1/2 miles south of Oak Openings Park in western Lucas Co. One was singing and spent most of the time near the bramble patch along the road or in the neighbor's white pines.

Editors Note: Prior to 1995 there were less than 20 records of Clay-colored Sparrow for Ohio. There have been 20+ reports since with most documented and accepted by the Ohio Bird Records Committee (about 8 are under or pending review). Clearly the eastward expansion of the species has stepped up a notch with last year's unprecedented nesting attempt at a Columbus metropark not likely the last. - V.W.F.III

Doreene Linzell reports:
As of 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 12 the Snowy Owl was still present at the Heath airport.

I have learned that the initial sighting of yesterday's Tricolored Heron was made by Mike Schulze and Dr. Nelson Moore of Ohio Northern University. Also the Little Blue Heron was apparently known since Friday - Toledo RBA. In other news a Rough-legged Hawk lingers "at a field on Fairport-Nursery Rd. just east of Fairport Harbor" - Pete Munson. Three Surf Scoters were present Pickerington Ponds the 10-11th - Charlie Bombaci et al.. From recent reports it appears there was a statewide arrival of Blackpoll Warbler on Thur./Friday (m.obs). Obvious widespread push of Indigo Bunting and Gray Catbird this weekend. Several hundred American Goldfinch were moving along the lakeshore in Lucas county yesterday while 130 were banded on the 9th at lakeshore Metropark (Lake County). Also banded there on the 9th a Henslow's Sparrow while a Glaucous Gull was a flyby - (Cleveland RBA). The first Cedar Waxwings of the May movement were noted yesterday along the Lake Erie shoreline - V.W.F.III. The Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area held its annual spring census over the weekend: highlights include a Brewster's Warbler and the first report of a Connecticut Warbler. Another Brewster's Warbler was reported by Dave St. John in Athens Co. last Thursday. Rounding out hybrid reports a Lawrence's Warbler was in Curtis (Lucas Co.) this weekend - Toledo RBA. A Golden-winged Warbler was at the Ottawa N.W.R. woods on Saturday - m.obs. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was at Sunset Cemetary in Parma over the weekend, and a Black-billed Cuckoo was noted at Wildwood park on the 11th - Cleveland RBA.

Two Lesser Black-backed Gulls (a 1st summer and a 2nd summer - the latter photographed) were at the Lorain impoundment this afternoon. Two Pomarine Jaegers were present at Whiskey Island Marina [boat traffic has greatly increased in the area]. The American Avocet was back at the usual corner of the 2nd pond at Ottawa N.W.R. The Clay-colored Sparrow was located and photographed in the field described yesterday off Rider Rd. The calico Little Blue Heron was located at the site described below for the Tricolored Heron. Be advised that the end of Toussaint-Club Rd is where the pavement leaves off. Beyond, where the Little Blue Heron was today, is a private road although unmarked as such. The owner was understanding while I photographed the Little Blue but will not take to increased traffic. The "minnow ponds" at the T-section with Rider Rd. (where both rare herons were seen yesterday) according to locals regularly attract "small white herons" and should be as far as anyone needs check. - V.W.F.III.

The Yellow-headed Blackbird was again at the feeder at Magee Marsh Sportmen's Center - m.obs. The Heath Snowy Owl was seen today - Marcus England. Both territorial Western Meadowlarks were seen and heard today; on Darsch Rd watch the roadsign with jagged arrow, a favorite perch - m.obs. Common Nighthawk had reached the lakeshore at Mentor on Friday - Anders Fjeldstad.

I have late confirmation of the Tricolored Heron on Toussaint-Club Rd from Jason Larson et al. who enjoyed a good 20 minute study. The bird was not located at the original site near Rider Rd but at a small pond at the very end of Toussaint - Club where one had to look behind a small green trailer. Needless to say this entire area should be carefully examined. Also for two days a Least Bittern has occupied the ditch running along the wildlife drive at Ottawa N.W.R. just a few hundred yards west of the parking lot - appx. in the area of a 15 mph speed sign. Black Terns have been present at both Ottawa N.W.R. and Magee Marsh the past two days. Black-billed Cuckoo was along the bird trail two days ago. For those doing big days late waterfowl are always of interest. I know of the following in the northwest today:

Common Loon - Beaver Creek Reservoir Lesser Scaup - Sandusky Bay Bridge / Medusa Marsh - several Red-breasted Merganser - Beaver Creek Reservoir Ruddy Duck - Beaver Creek Reservoir / Sandusky Bay Bridge

The NORTHWEST: The junction of Cover and Rider Rds (not, I am told, in the Delorme Gazeteer) produced Clay-colored Sparrow and a "calico" Little Blue Heron today. Appx. 0.5 miles east of the Toussaint River on Rt 2 (Ottawa Co.) watch for Comer Rd (gift shop at corner). Take Comer to T-section with Rider. Cattail area across the road held the Little Blue. Turn left to lot number 4310? grassy field held a singing Clay-colored Sparrow. Turn right at T-section to Toussaint - Club Rd - an unconfirmed report of Tricolored Heron from early this morning but many observers successful with the first two species were unsuccessful with the Tricolored Heron. Overall the Lucas/Ottawa area was very quiet with migrant activity. Tom Bartlett managed only 66 species for the day on his Big Sit count at the west entrance of the Magee Marsh Bird Trail. However that did include a Whip-poor-will calling early on. Common Moorhen were evident along the causeway. A female Wilson's Phalarope was reported along the Wildlife Drive of Ottawa. Yesterday the 2nd pond at Ottawa N.W.R. held 15 White-rumped Sandpiper - Jon Dunn. The Yellow-headed Blackbird was widely viewed at the Magee Marsh Sportmen's Center feeder today. My day was not so exciting; a roadkill Summer Tanager was unusual for Resthaven Wildlife Area [Erie Co.] and a singing Sedge Wren at the western end of Pickerel Creek W.A. [Sandusky Co.] was new for the season.

And finally I wish confirmation of the following report from Kevin Meeks: "Thursday morning one of the metroparks new naturalists, Nicole, identified a mature male Blue Grosbeak. The grosbeak was seen visiting the Windows on Wildlife feeders in the visitor center".

The NORTHEAST: A breeding plumage Laughing Gull was present at Edgewater Park on Friday - Cleveland RBA. Dave Hochadel reports "A Worm-eating Warbler was along Turkey Run Trail in Mosquito SP on the 8th. This is only the 2nd I have seen (or know of) in the county ". And Larry Rosche reports "Today, 5/10 there was an adult breeding plumaged Clay-colored Sparrow [photographed]. Two Wilson's Phalaropes are at a flooded field on Pioneer Trail east of Aurora. The field is between Chamberlain and Diagonal Roads." Jason Larson's party reports 3 Pomarine Jaegers at Whiskey Island today.

A belated report of an Eared Grebe on the 4th for Headlands Beach S.P. (Larry Rosche) represents the 8th or 9th record of the season [Ed. equal to about a years normal tally for the state].

The SOUTHEAST: I understand from Jason Larson that a Rough-legged Hawk and Short-eared Owl were still present at The Wilds area near Cumberland this past week.

The Harris' Sparrow in Wilmot was present today.

I have been made to understand that the fallout yesterday at Magee Marsh was a good deal better than first suggested getting rave reviews from several observers. One person managed 24 warbler species never leaving the west entrance of the bird trail. Today was a shadow of yesterday but still fairly active with good variety. Perhaps the only different bird on the trail over yesterday was a reported Worm-eating Warbler. Also at Magee both today and yesterday were King Rail along the causeway (Jason Larson); one plainly visible just east of the little bridge in the causeway - the same area occupied by a pair of King Rails in 1995. The Yellow-headed Blackbird was back at the feeder this morning (Magee Marsh personnel) but has become increasingly skittish with the hoards of people. The American Avocet has not been located at the main ponds the past two days, however yesterday one was at the western edge of Ottawa in a pond visible from the end of Stange Rd - I failed to locate it today. Should you intend to go on the wildlife drive tommorrow at Ottawa N.W.R. you may wish to know of 21 Least Bittern sighted along it yesterday by refuge personnel setting up signs for the drive. This concentration was likely part of the fallout and we can only hope that a few remain. - V.W.F. III.

The Heath Snowy Owl continues as of this morning - David Holt.

Ohio birding appears to be clicking on all cylinders : I have permission to post the following regarding a Harris' Sparrow from Pat Soehnlen. The sparrow appeared at her Wilmot (Stark Co.) feeder yesterday and has entertained two dozen observers today. It is in the company of a number of White-crowned Sparrows attending Pat's own recipe of lard and corn meal; a big hit with everything from the Harris's to a Red-bellied Woodpecker. Below are directions to the feeder. Birders are welcome however the bird is only visible from the kitchen window and the proximity of more than one person at a time appears to too much for the timid Harris' Sparrow. You are urged to call ahead make visitation arrangements. (330) 359-5212.
Directions: From Wilmot (on Rt 250) go north on US 62. After about 1 city block watch for the Golden Buzz Saloon. Immediately before the saloon is a road leading off to the northwest ( a left if heading north). This road will become a dirt road - travel appx. 1.3 miles to the first road off to the right. The large brick home on the corner is Pat's - turn left into the driveway.

A minor fallout at Magee Marsh was enough to cause excitement given the state of the migration in the northwest. Darlene Friedman et al. tallied 20 warbler species. Summer Tanager seen by many was the first for the bird trail. A Yellow-breasted Chat had been seen yesterday - Rob Harlan. A Yellow-headed Blackbird was present at Ottawa N.W.R. - Kevin Metcalf.

The Heath Snowy Owl was seen this evening at 8:15 p.m. - Jean Kuhn. A lingering immature Common Loon remains at Beaver Creek Reservoir - V.W.F. III

The early word from Cece Johnston is the White Ibis was a no show this morning John had trudged the entire area (where the godwits were recently reported) and she Q'ued the site from the levy with no luck.

On a bright note apparently today is "The DAY" at least as far as central Ohio migration is concerned. Cece spoke of the trees dripping warblers, orioles, tanagers at Green Lawn Cemetary this morning. Counting was largely a futile exercise but in one instance she noted 15 Great Crested Flycatchers moving from tree to tree not stopping. Another observer had a concentration of 40+ White-crowned Sparrows in a small area at the bike path along the Scioto. Firsts include Bay-breasted Warbler and Wilson's Warbler at Green Lawn. I'm sure I'll get more reports later.

Bill Shively reports a White Ibis (3 previous Ohio records) along Panhandle Rd area of Delaware Wildlife Area for yesterday. We are awaiting further confirmation and site details.

A Piping Plover was again seen at the Lorain impoundment yesterday - Tom LePage et al. The Forster's Tern flock there peaked at about 300 birds. Today no sign of the plover but a Grasshopper Sparrow was singing from the grassy portion of the impoundment. - V.W.F. III. Gray-cheeked Thrush arrivals were noted on May 2nd in Cuyahoga Valley N.R. (Bill Toneff) and here in Tiffin yesterday - V.W.F. III. Bill also had an early Philadelphia Vireo for the northeast in his Brecksville yard on the 1st. The Le Conte's Sparrow at Huntington Reservation has not been relocated but Todd Forsgren reports a Snowy Egret on the beach there yesterday. Another Snowy Egret away from the Lake Erie marshes was present at Prairie Rd mudflats south of Waverly (Pike Co) - Joe McMahon. The Yellow-headed Blackbird was in its 4th day at the Sportman's Center feeder at Magee Marsh yesterday - James Lesser. Jim also had an Upland Sandpiper along Krause Rd in Ottawa Co. and two Lark Sparrows back at their Oak Openings breeding grounds yesterday. The Darsch Rd (off Rt 2 just east of Crane Creek entrance) Western Meadowlark is back for the third year - Paula Lozano et al.. The other Western Meadowlark, just west of the entrance of Crane Creek (to be heard as you first pull in) was present over the weekend - m.obs. Paula was only able to locate 3 Pomarine Jaegers yesterday at Whiskey Island Marina. Great Crested Flycatcher had reached the northeast at Shaker Lakes on Sunday -Perry Peskin.

This is an interesting time of year when colder than normal as peculiar things can appear at feeders. I had no less than a dozen reports of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks at feeders the past two weeks. Also Indigo Buntings, White-crowned Sparrows, orioles at nectar and oranges, and even a Scarlet Tanager at a suet feeder (Bill Bosstic). So keep everything stocked and check those feeders.

According to Dave St. John new arrivals in the Athens County area include a Golden-winged Warbler yesterday and Black-billed Cuckoo and Acadian Flycatcher this morning. He also saw the Heath Snowy Owl today.

The Southwest: Blackpoll Warbler last week in the Dayton area was the first report of that species this year. Yet another flock of Willet; a group of 11 set down at the beach at C.J. Brown Reservoir on the 3rd. - Dayton RBA

Todd Forsgren reports:

An adult Le Conte's Sparrow was seen at the Huntington Reservation in Bay Village Ohio [yesterday], May 5th. Originally found by Larry Richardson at about 3:00PM, I saw this bird at about 5:00PM. It was extremely cooperative and allowed excellent looks. Along the southern edge of the lower field. A pair of Henslow's [Sparrows] were around the northern edge of the field.

A gray immature Snowy Owl has spent the past 6 days in Heath along rt 79 in Licking Co. The bird occupies a small field at the easternmost end of the Newark-Heath Airport often sitting out on a small hay bale. Today I observed the bird from Pike Ave. off Rt 79 immediately north of the Fulton School, about 100 yards along is a pull-off near a red and white airport hut. The healthy looking youngster does occasionally fly to the lip of the runway. - V.W.F.III

After a brief hiatus the Cleveland Pomarine Jaegers, at least 4 of them, were back at Whiskey Island Marina today - Paula Lozano; 3 weeks after Paula first found them. A Kentucky Warbler in Bluffton (Allen Co.) on Sunday was notable - Linda Houshower. I understand from the Toledo RBA that yesterday's White-rumped Sandpiper at Ottawa N.W.R. has been present since Saturday. Semipalmated Sandpipers were noted both at Ottawa N.W.R. and Mosquito Lake last Saturday. Also the Snowy Egret flock at O.N.W.R. was at 9 that day. Another late Lapland Longspur was over Whitehouse last Wed. The characteristic rattle can yet be heard into May if listened for. Another Piping Plover was reported from the 3rd at Lorain while the Caspian Tern flock had reached an impressive 181. Eight Yellow-throated Warblers at Brecksville near Cleveland hopefully is a sign that this species continues its 20th century reclamation of its range at the time of settlement - to the shores of Lake Erie. The last report of a Northern Saw-whet Owl at Lakeshore Metropark in Lake County is for the 1st of May. - Cleveland RBA.

A male Yellow-headed Blackbird has been frequenting the feeder at the Sportman's Center at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area the past two days. The American Avocet continues at Ottawa N.W.R. Also today at the same pond 750 Dunlin, 1 White-rumped Sandpiper, and apparently first reported yesterday a partial albino Lesser Yellowlegs sporting large white cheek patches. In view at the same time 7 Snowy Egret. Cattle Egret have generated several sightings with birds first seen at Magee on Friday and an individual flying by the hawk tower today only to settle near the entrance for a few hours. The hawk tower saw its first substantial Sharp-shinned Hawk flight with 178 tallied but this pales next to the 228 recorded by Gary Meszaros at Maumee Bay S.P. in just 2.5 hours. missing about 3 hrs of the flight. The largest one day count I am aware of previously for Ohio is 201 (Peterjohn 1989). A few other species were on the move with obvious passage of goldfinches, swifts, and pipits, the latter numbering at least 400 over the bird trail at Magee. - V.W.F. III

In other news only 4 Pomarine Jaegers were seen Saturday and none could be located yesterday (Paula Lozano et al.) - hope to have an update soon. A breeding plumage female Wilson's Phalarope was present in the Avocet pond at Ottawa N.W.R. yesterday (Bob Finkelstein). The bird trail at Magee today was fairly quiet but reports over the weekend included Orange-crowned Warbler both days (m.obs.), Great Crested Flycatcher and Blackburnian Warbler on Saturday (Jenny Brumfield et al.). The first report of Eastern Wood Pewee comes from the Ft Meigs area of Toledo last Friday and Lincoln's Sparrow at Navarre Marsh banding station (Ottawa N.W.R.) yesterday - Linda Bode. Eleven green-banded Trumpeter Swans were located at Killbuck Marsh by Phyllis Jones. Common Moorhen was also present yesterday. From the southeast Bob Plaicier reports the first Common Nighthawk and notes a local (Athens Co.) Semipalmated Plover along the Hocking River. In adjacent Vinton County, Dave Sapienza considers the American Redstarts "numerous at Lake Hope" - hard to imagine from here in the cold gray northwest. Dave further notes lingering Ospreys at Lake Alma and Lake Hope over the weekend.

The northeast enjoyed some exciting times with Piping Plover and White-rumped Sandpiper visiting Headlands Beach S.P. today among many other shorebirds - Larry Rosche et al.. Among the 100 species at Headlands songbirds included Grasshopper Sparrow. Another new arrival was marked not far from Headlands at Thompson in Geauga Co. where an Orchard Oriole appeared at the feeders of Dan and Nanci Seman {they had oranges out}. Another Orchard Oriole and a Chestnut-sided Warbler was noted at Green Lawn Cemetary in Columbus - Doug and Kristen Everman/Mike Guisinger. Tom Bartlett reports 4 Yellow-throated Warblers on terr. at Collier Woods along the Sandusky here in Seneca County.

The trickle of migrants continues with a Magnolia Warbler reaching Indigo Hill nr Marietta yesterday - Bill Thompson III. Bill comments the season is 2 weeks behind; that's also a pretty fair assessment for northern Ohio with respect to songbirds, certainly 8-10 days for the warblers and thrushes if one removes a few overshoots from the data set. Shorebirds continue to maintain an average or slightly early schedule. - V.W.F.III.

As most of you know Sandhill Cranes have nested in the Killbuck area for nearly ten years. Even so they are scarcely to be seen thus Harry Bryan's observation of "a pair of feeding sandhill cranes 4/27/97, 6:30 p.m., swamp on east side of prairie lane road, just south of Wooster" is noteworthy.

Some of you may recall the Greater White-fronted Goose at Castalia last January. I finally have those photos available.

Keith Archibold and I failed to locate the Marbled Godwits at Delaware W.A. but still managed a decent shorebird list, highlighted by 60 Lesser Yellowegs. The five Pomarine Jaegers were present at Whiskey Island as of 1:15 p.m. The Magee Marsh Bird Trail was quiet this evening, only a singing Yellow-throated Vireo added something new. The weather map suggests songbird activity for the south and the east but not the northwest which will be northwest winds all weekend. - V.W.F.III

An Eared Grebe in breeding plumage was seen by John Tetzloff, Bernie Master, and Mark Dawson on the 28th in the NE quarry pond on Frank Road [Columbus area], but was not present on the 29th. - Columbus RBA. Semipalmated Plovers are widely reported from central and northeast Ohio. American Redstart have made appearances throughout the Ohio River counties east to Athens earlier in the week. The Marbled Godwits were present as late as 4:30 p.m. yesterday - Cece Johnston. Cece also reports Black Tern, Short-eared Owl, and an American Avocet from Killdeer Plains W.A.; the avocet from the pond NE of the rangers office. Indigo Bunting and Baltimore Oriole have reached northeast - Judy Hochadel.

NINE Marbled Godwits were present at Delaware Wildlife Area today - Bernie Master et al. I am assuming they were in the same locality as the single bird two days ago. In which case follow the directions provided by Bob Conlon below.

13 Willets were found at Ross Lake yesterday while a Common Loon lingers there - Joe McMahon. Northern Harrier was another interesting local find. Eastern Kingbird was noted today in the southeast at Greendale wetlands (Athens Co.) - Bob Placier. Prothonotary Warbler now widespread in the south was noted at Shaker Lakes (Cleveland area) - Laura Gooch. The Miami Whitewater Forest continues to be a harbinger of things to come with a composition yesterday that included male and female Scarlet Tanagers, Blackburnian Warbler, and Great Crested Flycatchers - Lester Peyton. Great Crested Flycatchers had crossed the state overnight to Waterloo State Forest in Athens Co. - Dave St.John. Dave also mentions a Common Yellowthroat Tuesday in the vicinity for the first report of the year. I failed to mention earlier the concentration of rails had by Tom Bartlett et al. at Springville Marsh last Sunday which included 8 Sora and 9 Virginia within a very small area. I also overlooked a Eric Heinecke's report of Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Wood-Pewee, and Black-throated Blue Warbler at Gilmore Ponds for last Saturday. Likewise a Philadelphia Vireo had by the Everman's et al. at Clear Creek last Saturday is strikingly early within the context of this late spring

Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were reported from the Cleveland area yesterday - Craig Rieker. Bobolink was also a visitor to the Cleveland area yesterday - Tom LePage. Tom further reports the annual staging of Caspian Terns at Lorain had reached 156 birds on Tuesday. They were kept company by 17 Forster's Terns and a Glaucous Gull has frequented the area recently. I also have a report of a Henlow's Sparrow for Huntington Reservation for yesterday.

Blustery winds (45 mph) and rain this morning made for difficult observation but birds were present on the Magee Marsh Bird Trail. Wood Thrush, Veery, and a Ruby-throated Hummingbird were among some of the sightings. Sadly the American Woodcock nest held but one broken egg apparently abandoned. Along the beach Barn Swallows decided it was time to head north with 1000 passing eastward in 90minutes. A few Bank, Cliff, Tree were also in evidence. - V.W.F.III

Apparently the 4 unbanded Trumpeter Swans seen on and off during the fall and winter spent some time at Cedar Point N.W.R. and have recently surfaced around Ottawa N.W.R./Metzger Marsh area. Also in the category of resurfacing, the Western Meadowlark at the entrance of Crane Creek State Park has been noted yesterday and this morning; apparently going undetected these last couple of weeks.

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maintained by Victor W. Fazio III / last modified 26 Nov. 2000