Chestnut-sided Warbler
Day 1
Arrive at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport around midday. After grabbing our luggage, we’ll immediately drop down into the Rocky River Reservation portion of the Cleveland Metroparks system, which locals affectionately refer to as “the valley.” We’ll drive to the Rocky River Nature Center to stretch our legs and bird the vicinity. Woodpeckers are our goal here with all seven Ohio species possible during our visit – Red-bellied, Red-headed, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy, Hairy, Northern Flicker, and Pileated. After birding the area, we’ll continue through the valley and onto the Sawmill Creek Resort where we’ll be for the night.
Day 2
We’ll begin our day at Sheldon’s Marsh where we’ll study the dawn chorus with special focus on brown-backed thrushes. We hope to hear Veery, Gray-cheeked, Hermit, Wood, and Swainson’s Thrushes singing alongside migrant warblers, flycatchers and permanent residents like Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, and Northern Cardinal. After departing Sheldon’s Marsh, we’ll venture north and west toward Port Clinton. We’ll stop at the Marblehead Lighthouse where we’ll break for lunch and explore the adjacent woodlot. Following lunch, we’ll spend the afternoon birding around East Harbor State Park where we’ll look for ducks, shorebirds, wading birds, and passerines before heading over to check in to Five Bells Inn Bed and Breakfast, our lodging for the next three nights.
Day 3 & 4
Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler
These two days will be focused on spending time exploring the Globally Important Bird Area – Magee Marsh State Wildlife Area, the expansive Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, and nearby local hotspot Metzger Marsh State Wildlife Area. These preserves will be teeming with migrants and it is here where we’ll observe the bulk of our warbler species. At Magee Marsh alone, it is possible to see thirty different species of warblers in a single day, but the sheer numbers of individuals is what makes Magee truly mind boggling. Seemingly everywhere one turns they are greeted with a Palm Warbler pumping its tail as it forages along a wet log, a Chestnut-sided Warbler belting out in full song, Prothonotary Warblers investigating a cavity in which to nest, or an American Redstart flashing its tail so close you can hardly focus your eyes let alone your binoculars. In addition to being able to study warblers in-depth, there will be incredible photographic opportunities as even canopy-loving birds regularly forage at eye level. In addition to warblers, we might see Least, Acadian, Alder, Willow, Yellow-bellied, and Great-crested Flycatchers, White-eyed, Yellow-throated, Philadelphia, Warbling, Blue-headed, and Red-eyed Vireos, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Baltimore and Orchard Orioles. Daily itinerary will be determined by weather, bird movement, and group desire, however we’ll be sure to bird a variety of habitats, from beach and shore, to grassland and forest. Night in Port Clinton, Ohio.
Day 5
We’ll spend one last morning birding the boardwalk at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area before leaving the lakeshore and heading to Mohican State Park. The Mohican area is a geologically unique area in Ohio, being the southern terminus for the most recent glaciation event during the last ice age. Glacial moraines consisting of till transported hundreds or more miles by advancing glaciers was deposited in the area. The clear fork of the Mohican River carved out a picturesque gorge now lined with hemlock and yellow birch trees among others. These hemlock forests create a unique habitat for nesting birds and will afford an opportunity to find species such as Pine and Worm-eating Warblers among others. No fewer than twenty-five species of warblers have been found nesting at Mohican. In addition, the mature forests house Barred Owl, which we’ll look for after dark.Night in Perrysville, Ohio.
Ovenbird
Day 6
We’ll begin the day birding at Mohican State Park and work to round out our species list here. After spending the morning immersed in the forest, we’ll head back north, to Richfield, Ohio, southeast of Cleveland. The site of the old Richfield Coliseum, where the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers played home games for twenty seasons and performers such as Frank Sinatra entertained crowds, has now become an important area for wildlife. After the demolition of the coliseum in 1999, the area was allowed to revert to grassland. It now houses nesting Henslow’s Sparrows and Bobolinks among other grassland species we hope to find on our walk through the area. After spending time here, we’ll head back west toward the airport where we’ll check into our hotel and compile our final species list over dinner. Night in North Olmsted, Ohio.
Day 7
With smiles on our faces and a long trip list, we’ll transfer to the airport for flights home.
Although we will typically adhere to the above itinerary, the exact schedule of the tour is liable to change depending on local conditions and of course the birds!
Trip Reports
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Photos
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Health Considerations
Ohio presents no major health hazards, however, proper clothing including rain gear and a light jacket will be needed.
Climate
Ohio in spring is pleasant and cool with highs averaging in the 70’s and lows in the 50’s. We do expect some light rain showers this time of year as well.
Dress
Informal throughout. A light jacket or fleece as well as light rain jacket will be a must! Temperatures will be cool so other warm clothing may be required if you get cold easily. We expect some light rains so a rain jackets are a must. Rain pants are recommended but not required. Lastly, sturdy, waterproof boots are important.
Group Size
Maximum group size is 8 participants. We typically have 2 guides for this tour.
Tour Pace
As with all birding tours, this trip will have early mornings and relatively full days of birding . Hiking is minimal, flat, and leisurely.
Food
Meals will be taken at local restaurants throughout and at lodges throughout trip.
Transportation
We will be traveling in a 12 or 15 passenger van depending on the group size. It is important that all participants be able to ride in any seat in the van.
Accommodations
We will be staying at locally owned lodges throughout the trip with the exception of one night at clean and friendly chain hotel.
Non-US Citizens
Non-U.S. citizens will need a valid passport and may need a tourist visa to enter the United States. You can locate the nearest U.S.Embassy or Consulate here.
Before deciding to register for this tour, please read over the the following information as well as the “What To Expect” tab on this page. After you have read and understood the all important tour information please fill out the Registration Form at the bottom of this page and complete you payment under the “Payment” tab. Please note that your spot on the tour is not reserved until we have received your deposit in full. If you need help or have questions at any time feel free to contact us via email or phone.
What’s Included
The tour price includes all travel from the point of departure (Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Cleveland, OH), all lodging while on the trip, all meals unless otherwise noted, tour materials, and all services of the tour leaders. Tips for included meals, porters, drivers, and other service providers are also included.
Lodging is booked on double occupancy, most lodging in the U.S. can allow us to arranged for single rooms at an additional charge; lodging outside of the U.S. is usually in small locally-owned lodges and will almost always be double occupancy. If you are traveling single we will match you to appropriate roommates and can discuss any changes once the group has established. Double occupancy means that you are sharing your room with another individual, single occupancy means that you are paying for the room for just yourself, and you do not want a roommate.
Items that are not included in the tour price are as follows: passports, visas, airfare , departure taxes, immunizations, baggage charges, telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, laundry services, room service, snacks, emergency evacuation fees and medical fees, and other personal purchases you desire to make in the course of the trip.
Travel to Point of Departure
Your fees include travel arrangements for the trip at/from point of departure. For example if your trip begins in Albuquerque, NM, you will need to make arrangements to get to Albuquerque, NM. From that point we will pick you up and provide all other transport. If you are traveling internationally we will provide you with suggested airline and travel times for you to book your flight. We will provide specific information about arrival and departure times in the trip packet sent to you after registration. If you would like assistance with your travel plans please feel free to contact us and we will help you out.
Gratuities
Tips for local guides on international trips are highly encouraged. Local guides are incredibly valuable and knowledgeable and often underpaid. It’s important to show our support and appreciation for these individuals.
Tips for BRANT guides are not required, however if you wish to pay a gratuity to your guide please do at any time (during or after the tour). Rest assured that any tips we received are distributed fairly to your guides.
Restrictions On Participation
In general there is only one absolute restriction to a nature tour, you absolutely cannot collect any plants, artifacts or animals during the tour.
Otherwise, there are no restrictions. We only ask that you let us know about any potential limitations or safety concerns that may hamper your ability to participate in any aspect of the desired tour. For example, walking difficulties, diabetes, asthma, angina, diet limitations, applicable phobias, etc. should be noted on the registration form. Our tours are typically not physically demanding however the level of physical difficulty for each tour is available under the “Pace of Tour” section of each tour. If there is any question about your ability to participate on a tour we would be more than glad to provide more information that you and/or your doctor may need to help make that decision. All hikes, on all tours, will be round trip, that is returning to the vehicle start point unless otherwise noted, allowing any participant to ‘sit one out’ if they feel inclined to do so. In addition to any walking, participants should be mindful that they will be required to be able to sit in any seat on our tour vehicles.
Tour Confirmation
Tour confirmation occurs at the time of invoicing or 3 months prior to the tour departure date. This tour will be confirmed no later than February 1st, 2016.
Tour Cancellations
In the event a tour is cancelled by BRANT (due to civil unrest, natural disaster, low participation, etc.) we will offer you an alternate tour option (same time/similar birding targets) or refund the full amount of your tour deposit and price.
Price Increase
Projecting the cost of a tour package months in advance is not an exact science. If unexpected increases do occur it may be necessary to charge participants up to 10% increases of the tour price. If greater than 10% increases are necessary, participants may withdrawal from the tour without penalty.
Refunds, Transfers, and Cancellations
We hope that you will be able to join us on this tour, however, if circumstances cause you to cancel your trip we understand. If cancellations are made 3 months before the start of your tour, your deposit, less the non-refundable amount, will be refunded to you. If cancellations are made after 3 months before the departure date, your deposit is not refundable. If cancellation is made 45 days or less before the departure date all deposits and payments are non-refundable.
BRANT will allow a one-time transfer of a deposit to an upcoming tour date as long as the transfer takes place at least 45 days prior to tour departure date. Once a transfer has been made you will no longer be eligible for a transfer or refund of any amount at any time should you cancel again. Please contact us to discuss this option.
Registration Form
Please fill in all required fields. Remember that you must pay your deposit in addition to submitting this form before your spot on the tour is secured.If you have any questions or problems please contact us at anytime.
If you would prefer to fax or mail your registration form you can click here to print a hard copy. Our fax number and mailing address can be found here.
Ohio – Migration on Lake Erie Registration Form
Cost
The price of this tour may vary by the selected tour date. Pricing is as follows:
May 2016
Price TBA
Payment
Deposits can be made either online via PayPal or by check. Payments by check carry a significant discount, applied at the time of invoicing.
Make checks payable to BRANT Tours and mail them to the following address
7522 Edith Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM
87113
To pay the deposit online, select your departure date below and click “Buy Now”
May 2016
Payment not available yet
Trip Material
After you successfully register for a trip we will send you an information packet that will include:
- Detailed tour itinerary
- Bird (or wildlife) checklist
- Study/reference sheet
- What to bring sheet
- Receipt for deposit and invoice for remaining balance owed
- Information regarding travel to and from tour departure location
- Liability Waiver
Although your guides will be able to identify all of the wildlife for the area you are visiting, it is always a good idea for you to study up on the expected wildlife for your trip. If you want more information about any aspect of your trip prior to departure please contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions and/or recommend any reference guides
Liability Waiver
BRANT has selected known areas in the US and internationally, we cannot, however, guarantee anyone’s personal safety. For the most part ecotourism is done in remote, outback, and jungle like areas. The terrain is often rugged and local services and government assistance is not available in an emergency. In many out of the US areas there may not be phone or internet services for a day or two at a time during the trip. (However, in most established lodges internet service is readily available.) Therefore, we require that you accept your personal responsibility and agree to release us from liability for your safety within the limits of the law by completing the Assumption of Risk and Liability Agreement provided in your tour registration packet. This agreement must filled out and returned to us prior to the departure date of your tour. YOU MUST COMPLETE THE LIABILITY WAIVER TO PARTICIPATE ON ANY BRANT TOUR!
You can return the liability waiver to us via post or fax at anytime prior to your trip.
Liability Waiver (click to download PDF)
Health Preparations
Health precautions for trips in the US are minimal to none. If you have a health condition that requires medication please have the prescription filled for more than the numbers of days your trip encompasses, carry it in the original bottle, clearly labeled with instructions. If you have a health condition that you feel may affect your participation on the trip please discuss this with us so we can advise you and/or provide you with information to discuss with your physician.
Trip Insurance
Please check with your insurance agent for coverage you may already have and any limitations on national and/or international travel. Travel insurance may be purchased from several reliable companies; Travel Insured International (travelinsured.com) and Travelex (travelexinsurance.com) are two to consider. Travel insurance is purely voluntary and not required to participate on BRANT tours.
