Migrate toward local birding event

HURON TWP. — The month of March may mean basketball to many. But for bird lovers, it means migration. As spring arrives, so do many bird species returning to Ohio. Ohio is a premier birding destination because it is located at the crossroads of the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways. These two major migratory routes overlap in Ohio, particularly in northern Ohio along Lake Erie, creating a massive funnel effect that concentrates hundreds of bird species, including numerous warblers, during spring and fall migrations. The region is a vital, high-energy pitstop for millions of birds crossing the lake. Migrating birds are reluctant to fly over the expansive, open water of Lake Erie, causing them to concentrate in huge numbers along the southern shore to rest and wait for favorable winds. Our region offers diverse habitats, including wetlands, forests and marshes. Warblers in particular use this area to rest and refuel, earning it the title of Warbler Capital of the World. Want to go? Erie MetroParks is welcoming these birds and birders with an exciting series of free guided birding programs called Wings Over Lake Erie. There will be two Woodcock Walks and 12 different migration stops spanning April and May. Participants will explore various parks and birding hotspots in search of these migratory birds. No binoculars? No worries: Erie MetroParks will have spares that can be borrowed. All birding skill levels are welcome, but there are a limited number of binoculars, so it will be first-come, first-served. Get excited about spring migration and Wings Over Lake Erie. The official kick-off will be a Birds & Coffee program from 8:30-10 a.m. on Thursday, April 9 at Osborn MetroPark at the Roger Johnson Nature Center, 3910 Perkins Ave., Huron. Coffee will be provided by Mr. Smith's Coffee House. All these programs are free and open to the public. You can learn more and see what birds were found at eriemetroparks.org/birds.