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Date Posted: 18:37:20 06/01/03 Sun
Author: Greg Links
Author Host/IP: cblmdm65-221-34-208.buckeye-express.com / 65.221.34.208
Subject: Summer--A Time for Discovery, and Opportunity (longish)

While it is unlikely you will find something as exciting as nesting BN stilts at Mouillee, summertime is THE time of year to venture into the unknown.

There are several areas in NW Ohio that offer opportunities to discover very rare Ohio nesters, and in some cases, potential firsts for either the NW or even the state.

The summer season offers the birder truly unique discovery opportunities.

Areas that are ripe for adventurers to set foot and find some goodies would include (but of course are not limited to) the following:

Williams County:

Lake LaSuAnn Wildlife Area, and environs-- Already a hotbed for uncommon NW nesters, this area is largely unexplored, despite the diligent efforts of the Williams County Bird Observatory. Golden-winged warbler is a dream of mine in this location--maybe next weekend.


Fulton/Henry/Lucas counties:

Maumee State Forest-- Perhaps the single worst mosquito location on planet Earth. Easily as bad as the far north, or even the Everglades. This is one big reason the area is left virtually untouched in the summer. Recent field work by brave souls have revealed fascinating data. In recent summers, nesting Pileated woodpeckers, Kentucky and Mourning warblers, Summer tanagers, and even a mysterious Ruffed grouse have all been seen. A Yellow-bellied sapsucker was a tantalizing bird in June there. If you can get by the mosquito situation, then opportunities abound for glory.


Lucas County:

Oak Openings-- Despite good coverage now, there are still interesting birds to be found and/or discovered in the breeding season. Just yesterday, a Prairie warbler was found singing in Dunes Country. Aside from the known Summer tanagers, Lark sparrows, Blue-headed vireos etc, Oak Openings offers the birder good possibilities: Golden-crowned kinglet, Hermit thrush, Kentucky and Mourning warblers, even Red crossbill (same for the state forest). I know that BT green will be found to breed there someday not too distant.

Sandusky County:

Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area remains in my mind as perhaps the most under-birded true hotspot in Ohio. The place has unlimited potential for rarities--mostly as vagrants, but it surely hosts rare breeding ducks like American Black and Pintail, and also cattail specialists like Am. Bittern, and maybe King rail. Seems like EVERY time I go there, there is something interesting or rare.

Erie County:

Resthaven Wildlife ARea-- Nesting Osprey, chats, Alder flycatchers, and Prothonotary warblers. Need I say more?


Milan Wildlife Area-- Ceruleans are common, as are Hooded warblers, Acadian flycatchers, and Redstarts. Add in Kentucky warbler (rare), Yellow-throated warbler (a bit sporadic) and Louisiana waterthrush, and it sounds like a pretty neat place. Throw in Pileated woodpeckers, Wild turkeys, and nesting Sharp-shinned hawks (last year), and you're talking about a pretty unique spot for NW Ohio. All of these species are available right from the road (Lover's Lane), but few observers have ventured deeper along the riparian corridor.

Enjoy the summer!

Greg

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