Magee Marsh: Warbler Capital of the World
Magee Marsh, Ohio, is known as "The Warbler Capital of the World" for good reason. Each spring, over 30 species of warblers stop in the trees along the boardwalk, resting before making their final push over Lake Erie to their breeding grounds. Join us as we search for warblers and other migrants, along with breeding specialties at the eastern extent of their range. You never know what may show up! We'll also adventure into Michigan to visit the jack pine forests where Kirtland's Warblers breed, one of the rarest warblers in the United States, while also looking for Evening Grosbeaks and more.
Itinerary
Day 1
After departing home airports early, we’ll hit the ground running after arriving in Detroit and making the short drive down to the Ohio lake shore where, if time allows, we’ll hit some of the major birding spots.
Night: Oregon, Ohio.
Days 2 - 3
We’ll spend the next two days exploring the incredible parks of northwest Ohio. A mix of federal, state, and city-level parks, along with private waterfowl hunting clubs, dot the lake shore, protecting vital habitat from the ever-encroaching farmland. Of course, the most famous of these parks is Magee Marsh Wildlife Area. Situated on the southern shore of Lake Erie, it’s a prime stopover for North American warblers during spring migration. Every year thousands of birders, photographers, and nature lovers flock to this location in spring to witness the unforgettable spectacle of large songbird concentrations preparing to migrate across the great lake toward their breeding grounds in the North.
The Lake Erie marshes gained fame during the late 1800s as some of the best waterfowl hunting areas in the United States. By the end of 1951 the entire 30,000 acres of remaining marshland along Lake Erie, from Toledo to Sandusky, was under private club ownership. Today, the region still supports some of the most intensively developed and managed hunting clubs in the Midwest. The Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, purchased by the Ohio Division of Wildlife in August 1951, lies in some of Ohio’s finest remaining wetlands. The primary responsibility at Magee Marsh is the development and maintenance of high quality wetland habitat for a diverse array of wetland wildlife species.
While the warblers are the main draw, some parks in the area are home to other specialty birds. From Lark and Henslow’s sparrows to Sedge Wren, and so much more,breeding birds establish their territories while the migrants race north to do the same.
Nights: Oregon, Ohio.
Meals: B
Day 4
We’ll play the morning by ear, moving our schedule around depending on bird activity. If the previous night was a strong migration, then we’ll spend the morning searching for recently arrived migrants. If the winds were less than ideal, we’ll leave after breakfast and head north into Michigan,
stopping at destinations along the way.
Night: Bay City, Michigan.
Meals: B
Days 5 - 6
The next two days will be spent exploring areas of Michigan.One day will be dedicated to exploring Tawas Point State Park and some of the surrounding area marshes. This lesser-known birding destination is comparable in shape to Point Pelee National Park in Canada, and is the first stretch of land that warblers see after crossing Saginaw Bay. On good days,the morning flight here rivals that of Magee!
Another day will be spent in search of Kirtland’s Warblers and some of the other parks in the area. A conservation success story, Kirtland’s Warbler numbers were as low as 167singing males in 1987, but after 50 years on the endangered species list were delisted in 2019 after the population had rebounded to over 5,000 adult birds!
Two other locations we’ll also explore are Hartwick Pines State Park, where with patience Evening Grosbeaks can be found, and Tuttle Marsh Wildlife Area, where one evening will bird as the sun sets and search for secretive marsh life including American and Least bitterns.
Nights: Bay City, Michigan.
Meals: BD
Dinner is included only on the final night.
Day 7
We’ll bird our way back down to Detroit, targeting any species we may have missed before departing on afternoon flights back to home. The memories and birds will last a lifetime!
Matt Bell
EcoTravel Frequently Asked Questions
Why travel with EcoTravel?
We’re proud to offer small group travel in support of conservation, both locally and across the globe! By traveling with EcoTravel, you’re supporting environmental education and habitat management everywhere we go. When traveling internationally, we strive to use local companies who know the best places to visit, providing an intimate experience with the culture and wildlife.
What's included in the cost of the trip?
Most everything. Most every travel expense is included in one up-front price – airport transfers as specified in the itinerary, all hotel accommodations, birding/sightseeing with experienced guides, meals as specified in the itinerary, airport transfers, services of local guides, and more.
Most meals are included on EcoTravel journeys. All breakfasts are included, and some dinners. Occasional lunches in special locations may also be included. Although some dinners may not be included, suggestions for dining options will be offered by your tour leader. Many EcoTravel guests choose to dine together to share in new friendships and discoveries, but the choice is yours. Dining is a delightful and integral part of the EcoTravel experience – and that is why we select restaurants that offer a true taste of each region you visit. Most included meals offer limited choice menus, and some may be from a set menu or buffet. All appropriate gratuities for included meals are included.
For exact information of what’s included on a specific trip, please check the trip page.
What's not included in the cost of the trip?
Alcoholic beverages are not included, nor are meal gratuities for not-included meals, local guides, luggage handling, bellmen, doormen, and dining room servers. EcoTravel guides and driver gratuities are not included and should be offered individually, not as a group. Transfer driver gratuities are included.
Luggage service on EcoTravel tours is not included.
For exact information of what’s not included on a specific trip, please check the trip page.
What's your cancellation policy?
All trips are non-refundable.
Day Trips run as scheduled, and all participants are expected to be there. In the event weather postpones the trip and you can’t make the new date, or we don’t receive enough signups to run the trip, you’ll receive a non-expiring credit for the full value paid.
Overnight Trips can be partially refunded outside of 120 days before departure. Payment is due in full 120 days before departure, and no refunds are given. Exact details for each trip can be found in the terms and conditions on the Printable Itinerary.
What's the average group size?
Almost all of our trips are kept to single digits! We believe that small groups give a better experience to everyone. Day Trips and certain overnights may include up to 14 participants, with two guides.
Many of our trips run with just 4-6 participants!
What level of birder do I need to be?
All levels are welcome! While some trips are more intense than others, our guides are skilled at helping everyone see as many birds as possible while having a great time.
Do you sell travel insurance?
EcoTravel is an authorized agent of Travelex travel insurance. Please call the office for more information.
What happens if the tour doesn't fill?
Day Trips: Cancellation results in a credit for the full value that can be used for future trips.
Overnight Trips: Travelers are given the chance to rebook the same trip for a future year, or to move their money at full value to another trip.
What's the activity level of the tours?
It varies! Some tours have lots of walking, while others are more sedentary. For exact information on the activity level of a specific trip, please call the office.
How far in advance can I / should I book?
We encourage you to make your reservation just as early as possible – especially if you are limited to the time period in which you can travel. EcoTravel journeys are popular and tend to fill quickly.
Can EcoTravel help make arrangements for pre-tour and post-tour hotel nights?
Absolutely! Many guests choose to extend their stay and we’re happy to help. As a service, EcoTravel will make hotel reservations before and/or after your journey at select pre-/post-stay hotels offered for that tour. Rooms are reserved at the first or last night’s hotel property of any EcoTravel journey, so there’s no worry of having to change hotels or rooms at the start or end of your trip. Rooms are reserved on a space-available basis, and the cost will be added to your tour cost.
Arranging hotel accommodations in the city where your journey begins for the night preceding your EcoTravel itinerary not only gives you more time to explore on your own, allows your group to become better acclimated to time changes before your journey begins and helps to relieve stress from potential travel delays – important factors to consider! Guests wishing to spend more time in cities where our journeys end can extend their stay – a great way to make your vacation last a little longer.
Are transfers included to and from my pre-tour and post-tour hotels?
Complimentary transfers are included from the airport to your pre-stay hotel for the start of your journey and from your post-stay hotel to your departure airport.
Please Note:Transfers are included for EcoTravel-approved pre- and post-stay hotels. Non-EcoTravel hotel transfers must be approved prior to leaving on your tour.
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