Microbirding: A Necessity for Those with a Life

Eastern Wood-Pewee

If there was a way to make a good living by birding I would do it in a heartbeat.  I wouldn’t complain about the long hours.  A 10 to 12 hour day wouldn’t phase me at all.  Getting up at 5am?  No problem.  But, alas, I have to do other things to earn money.  I’m also a husband, a father, and a homeowner among other things.  I am not unlike many others who have plenty of responsibilities to take care of throughout the day.  So how do you make time for a pastime you love?  My solution is microbirding.

Microbirding is a term that I will be using to describe birding in small increments.  For me, this can be anywhere from 5-30 minutes at a time.  For example, on my way to Four County and back I drive by two places to get in between 5-10 minutes of birding.  A stop by the meadows at County Road E and 11, and another stop at the Wauseon Reservoir makes my commute a little less monotonous.

There are a few keys to microbirding.  First, you must be prepared to bird at all times.  My binoculars and field guide are always readily available.  My phone has the Peterson app on it which has bird calls to help with identification.  Google Maps is always helpful too.  When you’re in an area you don’t know and need to find a nearby park, Maps is a lifesaver.  Well, not a lifesafer really.  That’s way too dramatic.  It’s just really nice to have.

This obsessive need to be prepared to bird came in handy this past Tuesday.  I had an appointment at the University of Michigan Medical Center.  For those of you who don’t know, I frequently have sinus infections.  A sinus doc in Toledo recommended I have surgery.  Because I’m not a huge fan of someone cutting into my head inches from my brain, I decided to get a second opinion.

I got to the office an hour early.  They told me to do this.  The lady at the desk, who appeared to be annoyed by my presence, informed me that the doctor was running at least a half hour behind and that she really didn’t understand why I was checking in so early.  After punching her in the face, I got on Maps and looked at what was around the hospital.  Right across the way was a place called Nichols Arboretum.  I thought, I’ve got at least a half hour to kill.  Why not?  Before I go on though, I want make sure that my mom knows I didn’t actually punch a middle aged woman in the face.  You taught me better than that.

So I go over to Nichols Arboretum.  As I am walking through this place I thought to myself, “I’m in Fern Gully.”  You like that reference from 1992?  You’re welcome.  Anyways, this place was beautiful.  I only spent 25 minutes there, but it was enough time to make me want to come back.  The birding wasn’t half bad either.  I saw a ton of Indigo Buntings, and a couple different warblers and woodpeckers.  The highlight, however, was my first ever Eastern Wood-Pewee.  A Wood-Pewee is in the flycatcher family.  Most of the birds in this group look very similar.  When I saw the bird my initial thought was, “Great...it’s one of those flycatchers.”  But then she spoke.  I got my phone out, played a couple of different birds, and got a match with the Pewee.

Would I like to bird everyday for as long as I want?  Of course.  But until my dad wins the Powerball (You can do it Carl!), I will continue to master the art that is microbirding.  Thanks for reading and get out of that house!  There are still some cool birds coming through.  Happy birding!

Bird Count: 235

Recent Notables: Eastern Wood-Pewee, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and Grasshopper Sparrow

The picture of the Eastern Wood-Pewee can be found on the Cornell All About Birds page. Copywrite information is available here.

100 Birds in 24 Hours

Gray Catbird

So last weekend my Aunt Woody, Elissa, and myself “competed” in the North Coast Open.  I say “competed” because we turned out to be the only team in the Open division.  Nearly every other team, minus one Senior division squad, chose to do their Big Day in the Free Style division.  Unlike us, they did not have to have every birder on the team see the bird in order for it to count.  One of those teams tallied 154 species.  Again though, they had no rules.

Our team, dubbed “But No Owls”, was able to see 100 different species in the 24 hour span.  It was the first time that I had ever reached the triple digit mark while birding.  And it was exhausting.  We hit up Oak Openings at 9pm Friday night to see what we could see before it got too dark.  Our first bird of the tourney proved to be a good one on multiple fronts.  The Common Nighthawk is a crazy flyer and a lot of fun to watch.  They have an unmistakable voice which always helps with identification.  As a bonus, they were flying extra low so we really got a good look.  It was also a new bird for the year!

Immature Baltimore Oriole

After maybe 10 minutes of walking around, a minivan pulled up next to us.  A mom and son popped out.  The mother began to ask me if we were part of the North Coast Open when she stopped mid sentence and turned to her son and said, “Look...it’s the teacher from the paper!”  Local celebrity...check.  The mom and son turned out to be Monica and Nate Koszycki.  Although Monica really isn’t a birder yet, her 13 year old son Nate is well on his way to being an all-star.  He has an amazing ear.  He picked out a Field Sparrow and Whip-poor-will like it was his job.  More on Nate for a future post.

After a few hours of sleep, Lis and I met Aunt Woody back at Oak Openings just before 6am.  We picked up some of the Oak Openings specialties, and even scored a decent number of warblers.  From there, we stopped at the quarry in the Hidden Harbor neighborhood off of Angola.  I wanted to see if there were any lingering loons.  No loons, but we did get a Horned Grebe which is still fairly rare this late in the spring.

Next was the usual hot spots out on Route 2.  Metzgers, Magee, and Ottawa weren’t as lively as they were a week ago, but we still tallied quite a list.  We also made stops at Toussaint Wildlife Area and the Camp Perry beach.  I had never been to Camp Perry before so I was interested to see what it would be like.  I was happy to find 10 Ruddy Turnstones on the beach.  I previously had only seen this bird once before.  It was many years ago and it was only one solitary individual.  To see so many at such a close range was really something.

Black-crowned Night-heron

The highlight of the whole day, for me, was the dumpster diving Black-crowned Night-herons at the Marathon station near Davis Besse.  I had heard about these birds from someone on the boardwalk several weeks back.  There is a fish cleaning place right behind the Marathon.  The workers toss the fish guts and other waste into the dumpster after they are done getting the fillets.  Sea gulls are naturally expected to be hanging around such a place, but Night-herons?  Really?  Yes really.  Check out that picture!  Plus, the Night-herons turned out to be our 100th bird for the day.  I couldn’t ask for a better ending.

The end of the school year is rapidly approaching.  Although I’ll have more time on my hands, I probably won’t be birding as much.  Ruby will only be going to the sitter a couple days a week, which means Daddy and Ruby will be hanging out much more during the next few months.  I’m looking forward to this time with my daughter.  Hopefully trips to the park will allow both of us to enjoy what nature has to offer.  Happy birding!

This Week and This Weekend

Prothonotary Warbler (E. Brywczynski)

So previously I posted some pictures that I took on Tuesday.  Unfortunately I couldn’t get photos of all the cool birds I saw, but I’m hoping once my dad masters the sending of pictures over the interwebs (you’ll get it yet dad), I’ll have many more colorful birds to share with you all.

Tuesday was a pretty good day.  After dropping Rubber Stamp off at the babysitters, I made my way over to Oak Openings Preserve Metropark.  If you haven’t ever been there, you should make a point to go.  It is a massive metropark that offers a variety of different kinds of habitats, as well as the species to match those varying types of surroundings.  You’re not going to see all of the warblers that you might encounter at Magee Marsh, but there are things at Oak Openings that you’ll have a tough time finding anywhere else.

If you go to where Girdham Road dead ends into Reed Road you are almost guaranteed to see at least two of the Oak Opening’s specialties.  Near that intersection on the west side of Girdham are the breeding grounds for the beautiful Lark Sparrows.  The trails in this area are closed from early May to mid-June to protect the breeding birds from being disturbed.  No worries though.  You can park on Girdham, and simply walk down the road looking for Lark, Chipping, Savannah, Field, and many other species of sparrow.  

In the same area it is not uncommon to see many Red-headed Woodpeckers.  These birds are absolutely stunning.  Even though I’ve seen many of them throughout my life, I am always still amazed at how colorful they are.  Speaking of color, Oak Openings is also a great spot for Blue Grosbeaks.  I haven’t seen many of these.  In fact, I’ve never seen one.  This is the year though!

After birding Oak Openings for a couple of hours I decided to head out to the usual spots.  I hit up Metzgers first.  Lots of good stuff, but nothing new.  I was leaving as my parents were getting there.  When I pulled into Magee my mom called me and said they had a male Wilson’s Warbler at Metzgers.  Of course they did.  The Wilson’s is not on my list, but should be.  I’ve missed it multiple times this year.

Magee was hopping as usual.  I ran into multiple friends on the boardwalk.  We traded notes and tipped each other off to birds that the others had not seen yet.  A big thank you to Don and Pat Baughman for telling me about the Canada Warbler.  One of my favorites.  It was the first warbler species I ever saw.  In addition to the Canada, I added the Prothonotary Warber on the boardwalk.  Wow...I just realized I forgot about the best sighting of the day.  Rewind.  

As I was coming down the causeway at Magee, I noticed an all too familiar sight.  There were cars parked near the entrance to the East Beach.  Lots of cars.  At least 50.  This meant only one thing.  The Kirtland’s Warbler!

If you remember from one of my previous postings, the Kirtland’s is an endangered species.  That’s why it’s a big deal.  The fuss certainly isn’t about the beauty of the bird.  It’s alright, but give me a Black-throated Blue over a Kirtland’s any day.  Some birders are probably shaking their heads at that one.  Anyways, I have seen a Kirtland’s four times now in my life.  Three of the four times they have been on the East Beach at Magee Marsh.  Dad got some pics that I hope to share soon.  

So that was this week.  On to this weekend.  I, my wife, and my Aunt Woody will be competing in the final North Coast Open.  The NCO is a friendly Big Day competition where you try to see as many birds in a 24 hours period as humanly possible.  We are not going to win.  We don’t care to win.  We, like many other competitors, just want to have fun.

Here’s how it will go down.  The NCO starts at 9pm on Friday.  We will get to Oak Openings shortly before that time and try to get those nocturnal species if possible.  After a little bit of sleep we’ll head back to Oak Openings in the morning to get those specialties I mentioned above.  From there, we’ll stop at my parents’ house to pick up our driver for the day...the great Carl Brywczynski.  Magee, Metzgers, and Ottawa will certainly be on the table, but we might head up to Camp Perry or other spots further east.  The day will end at Blackberry Corners Tavern where all the teams will meet for food, awards, the sharing of stories, and hopefully copious amounts of laughter.

I’m really interested to see what a substitute teacher, a pregnant pharmacist, and a happy retiree (Are you thinking what I’m thinking...Dream Team!) can see during the Big Day!  Happy birding.

Pictures Now...Words Later

Here are the best photos I got today.  I am not a great photographer.  Hopefully I'll be able to get some shots from dad for my upcoming post.  He is a much more patient picture taker than me!  There are lots of migrants coming through right now.  If you get any good photos please share them.  I'd love to see what you're seeing!

House Wren

Chipping Sparrow

Veery

Orange-crowned Warbler.  Look closely.

Blue Gray Gnatcatcher who is not happy.

Ok, I'm cool.

Common Tern skidding in for a landing.

That's better!

Baltimore Oriole

You are what you eat!

Warblering Vireo

The Toledo Area Metroparks: Big and Little Birders Welcome

I'd like to thank Grace Peoples of the Toledo Area Metroparks for guest blogging.  In addition to being a nature lover, Grace is a Rental Facility and Event Specialist with the Metroparks.  Want to rent the Manor House at Wildwood for your next special event?  Grace is your gal.  She has been extremely supportive of me during this "Big Year" blog project, for which I am very grateful.  Thanks again Grace!

Scarlet (pictured) and Summer Tanagers have
been spotted at Wildwood this Spring.

Well, it is officially America's "Biggest Week in Birding", and folks, us Northwest Ohioans are right in the middle of the action.  It's a pretty exciting time at Toledo Area Metroparks, as we encourage the thousands of visitors that "flock" to the area, and residents alike, to take advantage of the various parks at their leisure and enjoy scheduled programs, many of them offered free of charge.

Some of the special regions within the parks include Swan Creek, a habitat that provides crucial feeding and resting grounds for migratory birds; Wildwood, an essential breeding site for ground-nesting birds such as rufous-sided towhees, field sparrows and American woodcock; and Oak Openings, affectionately known as "birder's paradise" for it's extensive unique habitats and busy migration areas. Each park is a special place, allowing birders of all ages and levels to explore.  And when you pair these wonderful places with naturalists who have a true passion for their work and a gift for sharing that passion, you end up with some incredible opportunities for learning and exploration.  Whether you've been birding for years, or this is your first time, welcome home.

If you're looking to share your love of birding exploration, consider joining the group Birders of a Feather, who meet monthly at different parks in the area for a little avian adventure. A friendly group open to beginners and experienced birders.  For something more species specific, try the Wonderful Warblers program offered May 15.  The indoor study on behaviors and species promises to enhance outdoor exploration. 

For your pint size birders, the Wee Workshop: Our Feathered Friends on May 21 might be just right. The Metroparks does a great job of engaging all ages, and takes pride in educating and exciting the next generation about all things nature. This program features a nature walk, craft, and story-time, all designed to cultivate a love of the outdoors.

Need a little break from the elements? For spectators who want to enjoy nature through the comfort of indoors, check out the Window on Wildlife at several of the parks, including Wildwood, Swan Creek, and Oak Openings.  The Coffee with the Birds programs (several dates/parks-typically Fridays), offer a chance to sip some morning [bird friendly, shade grown] java, and chat with fellow birders while discovering the morning songbirds.  A great tradition among friends.

To follow a few of the recent bird sightings and happenings, you can follow the Metroparks Nature Now blog.

Isn't the natural world all about discovery?  Get out there and enjoy!  We are lucky to live in an area that wants to help cultivate exploration of our environment.

For additional program offerings, please visit www.metroparkstoledo.com.

Brandon Brywczynski: Bus Driver

The front door at Maumee Bay

When I volunteered to be a driver for tours during The Biggest Week in American Birding, I was told that I would be driving a 15 passenger van.  I thought, I can do that.  I’ve driven larger trucks before and hadn’t had any problems.  Piece a cake!  Right?

When I got to the Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center at 6:15 on Saturday morning, I was given the keys and told to bring the bus around.  “The bus?”, I said.  Yes...the bus.  I had to drive a short bus.  I was slightly terrified at the fact that I would be driving such a large vehicle.  I thought to myself, “You don’t need a CDL for this beast?”  Nope.  As long as there are less than 15 passengers, I was told, you don’t need a CDL.  Great.  At least I’ll be adhering to Ohio law as I go careening off the road with a bus full of crazy birders.

The trip on Saturday included stops at Pearson Metropark and Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area.  I only had been to Pearson once before, so I didn’t know what to expect.  The park was surprisingly fruitful for birders.  Personally, I was able to pick up Red-eyed Vireo and Savannah Sparrow at Pearson, the latter being a life bird for me.  We also heard, but did not a see, a talkative Marsh Wren.  I also was happy to strike up a conversation with a former Title 1 reading teacher named Midge.  She was a stitch.  She explained that her eyesight and hearing wasn’t up to snuff anymore, so she was struggling with getting all the birds everyone else was seeing.  At Pearson she missed a beautiful Hooded Warbler.  I hope you get that elusive Hooded before the week is up Midge!

After spending about two hours at Pearson, we headed to Metzgers.  Yes I know birders, it’s Metzger Marsh without the S.  I don’t care.  I’ve said it that way my whole life and I seriously doubt that will change.  Anyways, Metzgers was not nearly as hopping on Saturday as it was the day before.  We saw some different things (Common Gallinule, Blue-headed Vireo, Snowy Egret), but I did not add any new birds.  The highlight of this stop was a gem of a story from Midge about being part of a tour group that was trying to scare up a Virginia Rail.  The bird was flushed several time as the group walked into the marsh, but Midge didn’t get a great look at it.  When they were heading back the guide said, “Well...at least we got it up a couple times.”  Midge then looked at the much younger man and said, “I didn’t think you’d have any trouble with that at your age.”  Imagine the quintessential grandma delivering that line.  Priceless!

After the tour was over I mosied on over to DG’s on Route 2, and got myself two hot chicken sandwiches and a small jamoca shake.  Always hits the spot.  I devoured that as I drove to Magee.  Elissa, Ruby, Mom and Dad, and my Aunt Woody met me out there, and we proceeded to have a good few hours of birding.  New birds included but were not limited to Bay-breasted, Cerulean, Mourning, and Golden-winged Warblers.  With the combined additions at Pearson and Magee, I added 10 new species to the Big List!

Despite Saturday being an exhaustingly fun day, my volunteering was not over.  On Sunday I was at Maumee Bay before the sun was up.  This trip was an all day affair to Erie County.  I had never really birded in Erie County before so I was interested to see what it had to offer.  Stops included Pipe Creek, Erie Sand Barons, and Pickerel Creek.  Although I did not see any new birds on the trip, I had a blast with the many educators who were in our group.  

One highlight of the Erie County trip was a spotting (by yours truly) of an American Bittern.  One birder was so excited to see one that she actually bear hugged me.  The fact, however, that I did not see a single new bird in eight hours really peeved me.  Because of this, I stopped off at the Bayshore fishing access on the way home just to see if there was anything new there.  As soon as I parked my car a little bird flitted right into my field of view.  It was a Least’s Flycatcher.  It was also my 216th bird for the year.  Phew!

Unfortunately, I’m not sure when I’ll be able to get back out the birding hot spots on Route 2.  I am scheduled to work everyday this week, and the coming weekend (which includes International Migratory Bird Day) looks bleak regarding opportunities to bird.  I am excited, however, to announce that another installment for the Young Birders’ series is right around the corner.  Thanks for reading and happy birding!

The Ohio Young Birders Club

I would like to thank Kate Zimmerman, the Education Director for the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, for helping me with this post.  It was wonderful to talk to you Kate, and I appreciate all the great information you shared.

Being a parent is hard.  Really hard.  You want the best for your child, but its difficult to say what that may be at times.  Despite having the feeling that I’m just winging it most of the time, there are a handful of things I know to be true.  1) Little girls are the best.  2) Little girls are the worst.  3) I don’t like it when my little girl steals food off of my plate just to play with it. I’m hungry and I need sustenance. 4) You must offer a variety of experiences to your children to help them discover who they really are.

Although Ruby is only two, she has already shown signs that nature is something that excites her.  I’m interested to see if she remains as curious about mammals, bugs, and birds as time goes on.  Although its a long time from now, when she gets into her junior high years I am planning on suggesting she get involved with the Ohio Young Birders Club.  What is the OYBC?  I’ll tell you.

In 2006, a group of 6 young birders approached the staff at the Black Swamp Bird Observatory with the idea of starting a club for young people interested in birds and nature.  Since then the OYBC has become a learning model for other youth birding programs around the country.  Programs in over a dozen states have been aided by expertise from BSBO to get their respective youth birding initiatives off the ground.

The OYBC has three regional chapters.  There is one in the Columbus area, another one that serves the Dayton-Cincinnati region, and the third and newest addition is right here in Northwest Ohio, primarily based in the Toledo-Sylvania area.  Kids ages 12 to 18 can join the OYBC for just $10.  A supporting adult membership is $20.  Those membership fees help to fund monthly field trips, service learning projects such as habitat restoration, as well as four statewide events in which all the chapters can attend and meet their counterparts from the other corners of the state.  Additionally, the club provides scholarships for members to attend nature related conferences, camps, and workshops.  Black Swamp is especially excited about this year’s annual OYBC Conference because it will be held at the Toledo Zoo in early November.  

All of that is great fun for kids who are 12-18 years old.  But what if you have a younger child?  There are still opportunities to get them involved with nature.  Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge offers “Nature Tots” and “Swampers”, two programs tailored for kids ages 3-5 and 6-10 respectively.  In the coming weeks I hope to pass on several more suggestions for parents looking for outdoor activities for their children. For more information about the Ohio Young Birders Club visit their page here. As always, thanks for reading and happy birding!