All,
An update to the Magee Marsh situation. Having said they were closing the
boardwalk for the migration season those in charge have worked with the
Toledo Zoo to set up a permit system to allow a restricted number of people
to use the boardwalk.
Below was posted in the The Biggest Week in Birding Facebook site.
Ronan O’Carra
Lexington
CHANGE IN STATUS OF MAGEE MARSH BOARDWALK
- From Ohio Division of Wildlife
If you have questions contact ODOW
LIMITED Spots Available for Entry to Magee Marsh Boardwalk During Spring
Migration
COLUMBUS, Ohio – With the help and support of the Toledo Zoo, the Ohio
Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is providing
access to the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area boardwalk for select dates during
the spring bird migration in May. Online registration for this opportunity
opens Saturday, April 17, 2021, at 10 a.m.
To promote safety and social distancing, the Magee Marsh boardwalk is
closed from Saturday, April 17, to Monday, May 31, except to those who hold
a permit. Permits to access the boardwalk are available Friday through
Monday, from April 30 to May 17. Birding times will begin each hour from 8
a.m. to noon and last two hours. Times will be filled through online
registration on a first come, first served basis. Guests are asked to sign
up for only one date and time slot throughout the duration of this time
period.
Magee Marsh is world-renowned as one of the best places to view spring
migrating songbirds, and offers many wonderful trails that are highly
productive birding locations.
The Crane Creek Estuary Trail and Magee Beach Trail are particularly suited
to view warblers and many other species. The Magee Marsh Walking Trail,
located just behind the Sportsman’s Migratory Bird Center, is fully
accessible and perfect for those visitors looking for a shorter walk.
The new Goosehaven Trail and a section of the lakefront levee will be open
from April 17 to May 31. The Goosehaven Trail can be accessed via the
Estuary Trail and near the east end entrance of the boardwalk. The entrance
to the lakefront levee is located at the southeast end of the overflow
parking lot. More information and a map of all the trails can be found on
the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area page at wildohio.gov. In addition, the
Sportsmen’s Migratory Bird Center will be open on a limited basis during
the spring birding season.
Those wishing to register for a permit to enter the boardwalk during spring
migration can visit toledozoo.org. Additional details about special birding
opportunities at Magee Marsh can be found at wildohio.gov.
Successful registrants must present an email confirmation receipt at the
boardwalk entrance, which can be printed or displayed on a mobile device.
For social distancing purposes, the boardwalk is one way beginning in the
west end, and guests are required to travel the entire length.
The southwest shore of Lake Erie has many prime birding locations that can
be explored this spring. Here are just a few that shouldn’t be missed:
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (Ottawa County): Scattered woodlots provide
viewing of migrating songbirds, and several owl species are frequently seen
on the area. The monthly wildlife drive is open for additional dates in
May. This drive allows visitors to traverse the expansive wetlands and is
perfect for viewing waterfowl, shorebirds, and eagles.
Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area (Ottawa County): The open water marsh is a
prime spot to see swans and diving and dabbling ducks. A small woodlot at
the northern end of the road can hold a spectacular array of migrating
warblers and songbirds.
Howard Marsh Metropark (Lucas County): Shallow marshes and mudflats in the
park provide fantastic viewing of wading birds and waterfowl. Eagles and
other raptors, as well as swans and sandhill cranes, are often seen flying
over.
Maumee Bay State Park (Lucas County): The park contains a variety of
habitats, including swamp forests, open meadows and beach areas, and is a
great place to view everything from wading birds to raptors and warblers.
East Harbor State Park (Ottawa County): Hosting a variety of habitats, the
park draws in a wide range of species including waterfowl, gulls and terns,
and numerous songbirds. Wooded areas around the campground and the swamp
forests along the lakefront are most productive for warblers.
Additional birding locations can be found by visiting the Lake Erie Birding
Trail page at wildohio.gov.
Birders can support wildlife conservation by purchasing an Ohio Wildlife
Legacy Stamp. The 2021 stamp features a northern cardinal and can be
purchased through the Wild Ohio Store. Proceeds from the sale of the Ohio
Wildlife Legacy Stamp are used to support endangered and threatened native
species, habitat restoration, land purchases, conservation easements, and
educational products for students and wildlife enthusiasts. More
information can be found at wildohio.gov.
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and
wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation
by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural
resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
