Ohio and Michigan

      Toledo, OH, USA

      VB
      Ventures Birding Tours
      • Email address verified
      85 reviews
      May 14 - 21, 2023
      Group size: 4 - 10
      Ohio and Michigan
      Toledo, OH, USA

      Ventures Birding Tours
      • Email address verified
      85 reviews

      May 14 - 21, 2023
      Group size: 4 - 10

      About this trip

      The vast array of freshwater marshes, woodlots and fields of Northern Ohio are a must-see for North American birders. During spring migration thousands of birds pour through on their way north to breed in the extensive forests and wetlands of Canada; many will congregate in the lakeshore forests during rainy and windy conditions. Once the weather lifts the birds will continue their journey across the open water of Lake Erie. 

      Thousands of birders and nature-lovers now visit Northern Ohio in the springtime, hoping for a glimpse into the wonder of spring migration. 

      We will visit a number of places with place names many of us are familiar with from birding articles: Maumee Bay State Park, Metzger Marsh, Pearson Metropark, Oak Openings, Sheldon Marsh, Willow Point, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Black Swamp Bird Observatory and, of course, the famous boardwalk at Magee Marsh. We will also head into adjacent Michigan to see the closest colony of Yellow-headed Blackbirds at Pointe Mouillee and then north to see Kirtland’s Warbler. 

      By moving around from place to place we should see over 25 species of warbler- all in their spring breeding colors. We should also see Wood, Swainson’s and Gray-cheeked Thrush, Veery, both Black and Yellow-billed Cuckoos and at least 5 Vireos. Trumpeter Swans are common and the last remaining wintering ducks should be moving through – in other words, almost anything is possible. Last year’s rarities included Le Conte’s, American Tree and Clay-colored Sparrows, Wilson’s Phalarope and both Mourning and Connecticut Warblers. 

      Whether we see rarities or just the spectacle of spring migration we are sure to have a good time birding this part of the country. 

      What’s included

      • Food
      • Accommodation
      • Ground transportation
      • Guide services

      What’s not included

      • Airfare
      • Alcoholic beverages
      • Laundry
      • Gratuities
      • Items of personal nature

      Available Packages

      Double Occupancy

      Room-sharing

      $2,175
      Deposit: $300
      Single Traveler

      For those wanting their own room

      $2,700
      Deposit: $300


      Your Organizer


      VB
      Ventures Birding Tours
      85 reviews
      Small travel company based in Asheville, NC, specializing in birding & nature tours both locally & worldwide.

      Reviews

      MC
      Great trip. Vicky knows her ducks and other waterbirds and where to find them. We look forward to more trips with her as a guide
      By Mike C for Duck Day in Asheville on Feb 13, 2024
      The trip was very enjoyable, in spite of the cold weather. Michael Werndley is a great guide and fun to be with. The main attraction was the chance to see up to ten species of owls, many of which can often be seen after migrating down from more northern areas in Canada. The group saw a Snowy Owl, Hawk Owl, Barred Owl, and (the major attraction) two impressive Great Gray Owls! Other local species included Snow Buntings, Common and Hoary Redpolls, a Northern Shrike, Canada Jay, Pine Grosbeaks, Golden Eye, numerous Bald Eagles, and a Merlin (sitting atop our hotel in Minneapolis). In addition, the group saw many winter species common to our own area. An unexpected treat was the sight of three wolves totting along the frozen harbor shoreline in Duluth! A great time was had by all!
      By Peter H for Northern Minnesota 2024 - Owls & Winter Finches on Feb 05, 2024
      Weather was a lot better than I anticipated, but even if it had been exceptionally cold, this trip is definitely worth it. To see the snow-covered landscape scenes, the beauty of the Black Spruce trees, all the native habitat for the Great Gray Owl, was an exciting and enjoyable experience. The food choices were fantastic as were the views of Lake Superior. Dress warmly and go for it!
      By Shirley A for Northern Minnesota 2024 - Owls & Winter Finches on Feb 04, 2024
      This was our second trip with Keith Watson and it was very special - he is wonderful to bird with, and to just be with. Our group was small and it made the trip that much more meaningful. We saw beautiful places, beautiful birds, and had lots of good food and good company. We had difficult weather at times and Keith was able to keep our spirits up and make it feel adventurous rather than adverse. Very grateful.
      By RHONDA B for Cranes Galore at Hiwassee on Feb 03, 2024
      This was a uniquely wonderful birding trip. Great group and great birding, with fantastic local guide, Sean, and always wonderful, Simon Thompson. We had our own chefs, one of whom traveled with us, with wonderful food and some Suriname local food. The Surinamese people were warm and welcoming. Fantastic trip!1
      By Toni M for Suriname 2023 on Dec 15, 2023
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