Going Early to Magee Marsh

Hooded warbler in southwestern Pennsylvania (photo by Steve Gosser) 5 May 2026 Today we’re on our way to Magee Marsh, Ohio where we’ll be birding early before The Biggest Week in American Birding begins 8-17 May 2026. It truly is the “Biggest Week” as it draws 80,000 to 90,000 visitors to the area each year. The colors on this eBird Hotspot map show why it’s such a popular birding place. The redder the color, the more species seen. The hottest spot of all (center of the map) is Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in Ottawa County where 305 species have been recorded. Magee Marsh Boardwalk is close behind with 276 species. screenshot of eBird Hotspots in Northwestern Ohio region as of 5 May 2026 It’s the “Warbler Capital of the World” though only four warbler species breed in Ohio’s marshes: Prothonotary warbler, common yellowthroat, northern yellow warbler (recently split), and occasionally black-and-white warbler. This year’s Biggest Week’s cover bird is the hooded warbler (Setophaga…