Migration Sensation

Migration Sensation is an event held in Shreve, Ohio during the end of March to celebrate and educate the return of many migrating birds. Sandy and Dick have been inviting me for a few years to come, and it never worked out. I was very happy that this year it did! We got up early (for some) and went to the Shreve Elementary School to register and collect a map to the various locations for birding in the area. We started at Wright Marsh, a complex of man made berms that create wetland areas for various bird species. We saw a wide variety of red winged blackbirds, sparrows, and a few geese. After that, we went to Shreve Lake and were very excited to see a Common Loon. Well, this isn't so "common" in Ohio, and it one of the first I've seen outside of the Adirondacks. We then moved on to see the Eagles. This is always a treat to see, and very exciting to see them on the nest. We also got a great view of a Belted Kingfisher. We then headed back into Shreve for a great lunch at Des Essenhaus. After lunch we went back to the elementary school and checked out the vendors area, and watched two great lectures on Ohio's Woodpeckers, and on the Barn Owl.
I was very amazed all day long to see a large Amish population into birding. These young boys would walk by me with thousand dollar scopes and tripods! It was very cool to see. We also visited with a old member of the Laura's band down in the swamp, as she led children in scooping for aquatic life. Then we picked up Brian, and headed back out to see the Eagles, and its a good thing we did. We not only got to see the two eagles we had seen in the morning, but also saw an immature eagle circling about as well. The whole day was a treat, and though I didn't add any birds to my life list, it was a very educational day, and we got to see some very special birds! I recommend this event, and hope I can make it again next year. Remember to bundle up though!