Posted by Josh Anderson on March 20, 2007 at 10:00 AM
When is the best weekend for the spring warbler migration?
Posted by Dan Borzynski on March 20, 2007 at 12:33 PM
Second or third weekends for birds. It really depends on the weather. The ideal situation would be nice weather through Friday morning, and then strong winds storms coming off the lake during the weekend. This will bring in lots of birds through the week, but then they'll rest up until the weather clears. Their next stop is Ontario, which is a non-trivial flight for the small ones, and they won't attempt the flight until they get good weather.
The second weekend usually corresponds with International Migratory Birds Day, so the crowds, especially on Saturday are pretty heavy on the boardwalk. Fortunately, people are usually fairly considerate of each other, especially those hauling the big glass. You really need a long focal length for shooting the warblers, 600 or so or more mm. It doesn't matter how you get there, though, whether a super tele or a (300 plus 1.4 converter plus digital body).
A Better Beamer, LOTS of backup batteries and cards, and patience are all strongly recommended.
There is a local raptor rehab center that brings out its birds for display that Saturday, plus a few other animals. This is a really good op for getting portraits of the raptor which would be impossible with any lens in the wild. A 70-200 or even 24-70 would be best for this event.
I've usually have been luck shooting along the road anyway, but with a 300 f4, it isn't much of an issue for me.
Camping can be had at the state park just down the road, and Toledo motels are maybe 20 minutes west along Route 2.
Josh, if you head up, let me know. I plan to be there one, if not both of the weekends.
Posted by Josh Anderson on March 21, 2007 at 7:43 AM
Thanks for the info Dan. I will probably go up both weekends as well. Keep in touch. I would like to see you. Its been a while.
Josh
Posted by Terri Norris on March 26, 2007 at 7:12 PM
I'm planning on getting to Magee from May 9-13. I'll look forward to seeing some old friends there!
David & I will have a hot lunch on Saturday (chili & hot dogs & chips) for anyone who wants to stop by the camper. See you then!
Posted by Dan Borzynski on March 28, 2007 at 12:51 PM
Okay Terri - that settles it!! I'll be there that weekend!
Just got back from Magee today. For those of you that were wondering if they should have made the trip this weekend, all I can say be glad you didn't. Although it was sunny on Thursday and Friday, the winds were coming from the wrong direction and quite strong around 15-20 MPH. The only good birding spot was around the west entrance of the boardwalk. There were about 15 different species of Warblers in small numbers. The highlight of the trip was a Screech Owl and a Woodcock. Nonetheless it was good to get out and spend some time birding, even if I didn't do much photography. I planning to go up again next weekend.
Terri is there anything I can bring to for the lunch on Saturday.
Hey Arnie, Josh and Reza....
Gee I hope it's better next week! Looks like we'll have some isolated storms on Thursday & Friday, then clousy and warm on Saturday & Sunday. Maybe the showers will keep the birdies down low. ;)
I was out at Buck Creek SP today and there were Yellow-rumps EVERYWHERE, but they just aren't approachable like they are at Magee.
Arnie....I hope Sheila's coming up? Just bring your favorite drinks. I'll have hamburgers, hot dogs & chili to give us something to fill up on.
See you later this week!
Discussion
8 repliesThe second weekend usually corresponds with International Migratory Birds Day, so the crowds, especially on Saturday are pretty heavy on the boardwalk. Fortunately, people are usually fairly considerate of each other, especially those hauling the big glass. You really need a long focal length for shooting the warblers, 600 or so or more mm. It doesn't matter how you get there, though, whether a super tele or a (300 plus 1.4 converter plus digital body).
A Better Beamer, LOTS of backup batteries and cards, and patience are all strongly recommended.
There is a local raptor rehab center that brings out its birds for display that Saturday, plus a few other animals. This is a really good op for getting portraits of the raptor which would be impossible with any lens in the wild. A 70-200 or even 24-70 would be best for this event.
I've usually have been luck shooting along the road anyway, but with a 300 f4, it isn't much of an issue for me.
Camping can be had at the state park just down the road, and Toledo motels are maybe 20 minutes west along Route 2.
Josh, if you head up, let me know. I plan to be there one, if not both of the weekends.
Josh
David & I will have a hot lunch on Saturday (chili & hot dogs & chips) for anyone who wants to stop by the camper. See you then!
See you there..... Maybe those orioles will be posing for us!
Terri is there anything I can bring to for the lunch on Saturday.
Hope to see you all next weekend.
Gee I hope it's better next week! Looks like we'll have some isolated storms on Thursday & Friday, then clousy and warm on Saturday & Sunday. Maybe the showers will keep the birdies down low. ;)
I was out at Buck Creek SP today and there were Yellow-rumps EVERYWHERE, but they just aren't approachable like they are at Magee.
Arnie....I hope Sheila's coming up? Just bring your favorite drinks. I'll have hamburgers, hot dogs & chili to give us something to fill up on.
See you later this week!