Birders land at Magee Marsh

OAK HARBOR — Bird migration is in full swing and people from across the United States — and even other countries — are visiting Magee Marsh. The boardwalk was bustling with activity as birders surveyed the landscape. Sandusky resident Tamara Zuilhof had her binoculars ready if she spotted a bird in a tree. She was there with her husband, Mike. When the spouses were driving through the parking lot, they studied car license plates to see where people were coming from. "I'm not an avid birder, but I'm an avid advocate of birding because it helps people understand the value of conservation," Mike said. "It's great habitat out here." While Magee Marsh is a nice place to go birding, Mike noted a couple places in and near Sandusky that are great spots: Pipe Creek Wildlife Area and Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve. "This time of year, you can be in the city and you can look up and see warblers in the trees," Mike added. In a post made by the Erie MetroParks on May 9, it stated 54 species were seen during a bird hike at Wyandot MetroPark. About a year ago, Allen Futrelle, of Jacksonville, North Carolina, recalled seeing a birding video filmed at Magee Marsh. He told his wife, Conni, that they should plan a trip there. On Monday, Futrelle had his camera in hand to photograph the birds. He's been a photographer for more than 50 years. "I've shot millions of pictures," he said. "It's a passion." He loves photographing wildlife, which made his trip to the warbler capital of the world exhilarating. "I wanted to see the birds I hear about but we never see because of where we live," Futrelle said. "It's crazy here." He was also amazed with how many people were at the boardwalk, and he enjoyed talking with people along the way. "These people are the sweetest," Futrelle said. "If you have a question, somebody knows the answer. It's wonderful." Biggest Week in American Birding events will wrap up on Sunday. In the meantime, visitors will continue looking for all sorts of birds. "We're thrilled to be here," Futrelle said. "It's a big dream."