The Biggest Week in American Birding....Coming Soon!

The Biggest Week In American Birding is coming upon us beginning May 6, 2014.  It is the time of year when birders and nature photographers from the Midwest and around the world congregate in a tiny area in Northwestern, Ohio called Magee Marsh.  The other name for Magee Marsh is "The Warbler Capital of the World!"

Why?  Well, for starters, take a look at a few of the warbler images throughout this article that were  captured last year on the Crane Creek boardwalk trail within the park!

Hooded Warbler on the Crane Creek Trail - Sheen's Nature Photography

Magee Marsh is right next to Lake Erie and is a significant stopping and resting spot for migrating birds.

How easy is it to see the warblers and other birds on the trail?
At the visitor center, swallows are very people-friendly with nests right above the entrance door.  Purple martins abound in their houses along with other migrating birds on the visitor center trail.

 Official Greeter at the Visitor Center - ©Sheen's Nature Photography

On the Crane Creek trail it is very easy to see the warblers and other migrating bird species.  Of course, birds fly, dart quickly and can be elusive.

On the trail there are guides that are happy to assist in pointing out and identifying birds.  There are also many avid birders who graciously share their passion and knowledge when a bird is spotted.  

Just in the parking lot alone last year I saw chestnut sided, bay, yellow and black-throated green warblers.  This was in addition to seeing the scarlet tanager and northern oriole.  Then the trail walk began!

Photographers:  Heads Up!
Photography opportunities exist throughout Magee Marsh.  The visitor center, in the parking lot alongside the woods, the trail and along the water ways and Lake Erie all offer easy access to bird viewing.  On the boardwalk trail, it is very crowded so if you need a tripod with the big lens, you may want to use a monopod or go with a 300mm.  In the parking lot and other trails, the tripod works well.  The boardwalk can be very shady in spots so a speed light can make a difference.

When is the best time to go?
We try to arrive around 7:30 - 8:00 a.m. as that's about the time the birds start getting active.  My personal observation is that they sleep in a little longer here since it is such a great little haven.

If you can go during the week, it's highly suggested as it can get congested on the weekends.  But don't let that stop you from going on a Saturday or Sunday.  More people means more bird spotters.

Playful Yellow Warbler - ©Sheen's Nature Photography

Activities during The Biggest Week In American Birding:
Here is a link to the guide of activities during the week.  Additionally, there are numerous sponsors that donate resources and time to this event.  Exhibition booths are at both Crane Creek and the visitor center.

Some of the biggest names in birding will be there including Kenn Kaufman and his wife Kimberly.  Along the trail, experts come in all ages and sizes.  It's energizing to see our youth tackle this hobby as well as the seasoned veterans.

Another terrific participant is the non-profit wildlife rescue group Back to the Wild, One Rescue at a Time.  In past years they have brought rescued raptors, eagles and owls for educational purposes.  If you have an opportunity to be there the day they are, please give a donation.  They do great work!

Prairie Falcon Courtesy of Back to the Wild, One Rescue at a Time
©Sheen's Nature Photography

What to wear?
Be prepared for anything.  It could be rain, chilly, windy to warm and pleasant, and that's just within a 30 minute window.  I recommend a lightweight rain poncho just in case.  It's right on Lake Erie so the temperature is always a bit cooler.

May is a huge bird migration month, so even if you can't make it to Magee Marsh, nothing's stopping you from taking your binoculars, camera and going for a hike in your local nature areas.

HAPPY SHOOTING!
Sheen

All images were captured using:  Nikon 5100, Nikon 7100,  Nikon 70-300mm and Sigma 150-500 lenses.

Up Close & Personal with Nature...Locally

Chestnut-sided Warbler, Northport, MI
Image was taken on a nature trail excursion

For bird and nature photographers to capture images that meet personal 'perfection' criteria, it takes the three "P's":  practice, persistence and patience.

Before the three P's can take hold, the photographer must have the right lighting, location, camera settings and a bit of luck in finding their subjects.

When subjects are spotted, that's when patience and persistence takes hold. Our little birds typically pose for a few seconds before darting off to another branch.

To be able to track your subject, select your camera settings, focus on the eye, it takes many snaps to get your desired image.

Where to practice?  Many towns have individuals, groups or even centers that's mission is to rescue injured wildlife and rehabilitate back to the wild when possible.   I have seen a few that work with photographers creating a win environment for both.

Barred Owl, The Howell Nature and Conference Center
A perfect poser in Steve Gettle's workshop

The Howell Nature and Conference Center offers many education forums for the Southeast Michigan region.

Steve Gettle, a widely published professional nature photographer conducts photography workshops at the center on a regular basis.  In October, he led Photography Workshop: Lighting and Composition.  There is a fee for the workshop that goes directly to the center in support of their mission.

This workshop offers students the privilege to photograph wildlife in a beautiful, natural setting with a lot of attention to the details.  A picture-perfect place to practice!

Another group in the Midwest is Back to the Wild in Castalia, Ohio. This group centers on rehabilitating and returning animals back to the wild.  They offer educational programs, share progress updates and rely on donations for support of their efforts.

Each spring during the The Biggest Week in American Birding they bring their birds of prey for demonstration and education that cannot be returned to the wild to Magee Marsh at Crane Creek near Oregon, Ohio.  Photographers can get within a close range as these birds are accustomed to seeing people and will give a pose or two.  A practice haven.  While not required, they accept donations during the demonstrations and online too.

Peregrin Falcon, a poser from Back to the Wild
Image taken in May 2013 during The Biggest Week in American Birding

By researching local non-profit wildlife groups you can take part in helping their cause and potentially get some 'practice makes perfect' time.  Happy Shooting!