Well here in Arizona it feels like we skipped Spring and jumped straight to birds fledging. Usually in Ohio our big push of migrants and warblers comes through in May but in the last week I have had a reality check here in the Tucson area. The bird that did it was Lucy’s Warbler. Every single time I am outside I hear this bird singing right now in the backyard, in the field, at the grocery store, EVERYWHERE. They are certainly getting me fired up to see the rest of the warblers that are coming, especially the ones in Ohio. It is hard to beat 30 + warbler species in basically one location. 

I will again be back guiding at The Biggest Week In American Birding festival in Northwest Ohio (TOLEDO). This is hands down my favorite place and time of year to go birding, I look forward to it like a child waiting for presents from Santa. As exciting as all the neotropical migrants are, I will be focused on warblers. 

I am hoping to connect to most if not all the migrants while I spend my couple weeks in Ohio and it will be a welcome break from the desert heat. Some of favorites are Blackburnian Warbler, with the burnt orange colorations contrasting with whites and blacks and Black-throated Green Warbler with its sweet-sweet song. Now I know I am jumping the gun a little bit but like I said not only have the Lucy’s returned here but I also have had Yellow Warblers singing on territory. Ohio should be getting a couple early birds like Louisiana Waterthrush, Pine Warbler, and Yellow-throated Warblers high in the sycamores. 

What an awesome season to be a birder anywhere. Migration is a magical time and the jewels of that magic are definitely the warblers.

OHIO GUIDING AVAILABILITY

I will be offering day trips while I am in Ohio on the following days:

Southern Ohio Shawnee State Park

• May 3
• May 4

Northwest Ohio Toledo/Magee Marsh area:

• May 6 (sold out)
• May 7
• May 18 (sold out)
• May 19
• May 20

These days in late May after the festival are great for Connecticut Warbler that tends to show up throughout the 3rd week of May. Contact me for more information on these Ohio days!

SUMMER BREEDING BIRDS IN ARIZONA

I am currently booking June-August. If you are planning a trip to see the amazing breeding birds of southeastern Arizona like Coppery-tailed Trogon, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Red-faced Warbler, Gray Hawk and more reach out!

Go Birding,
Jeremy