On Separate Shores

Separated from Magee by miles of water, our BWIAB travels on Kelleys Island continued to the north east side of the island called "Long Point," where Camp Patmos and Jones Preserve are found.

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A distant view of Put-in-Bay lies beyond the decorative lighthouse on Camp Patmos beach front. We were served a lovely lunch at this Christian Youth and Family Camp. But, I was a bit disappointed there was no traditional camp "bug juice" offered along with the iced tea and lemonade!

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Tom Bartlett's people were doing a bird banding workshop during our visit. Bird banding is a way for people to learn more about subtle differences in birds, that might not be noticed without up-close inspection. Even guides Sam Woods and Christian Boix were interested in these proceedings.

..................... ....... photo by Dave Lewis

And I was most interested in the fresh hatch of Swamp Darner dragonflies cruising for minuet insects along our pathway. This is a jumbo-sized early season dragonfly and our largest Darner species. They have impressive cerci (terminal appendages) used while mating. Dragonflies and Damselflies of Northeast Ohio is the best book around for learning more about Ohio Dragonflies. Much of the artwork found with it was drawn by Jen Brumfield- the talented artist and birder who also produced the BWIAB logo!
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................... .... ... photo by Dave Lewis

We also found the even rarer Carolina Saddlebags- a migrant dragonfly species! These must have blown north to Kelleys Island on the winds and storms of the preceding days. Once in Ohio they can reproduce, but they are generally rare and localized.

And all the while, we guides were sweating the truth. On another not-so-distant shore, another rare migrant was being seen. Could we get the troops back in time?

To be continued...

Biggest Week In American Birding

In case you have been living under some rock (or forgetting to read the logos in the side panels of this blog), the last ten or so days was the biggest, hugest bird-fest ever seen around these parts. It was centered at Magee Marsh in Oak Harbor, Ohio- but many of the field trips went far and beyond. The Oak Openings, Kelleys Island and Point Pelee, Canada were just a few of the offerings.


Last Friday morning, they loaded a crew of birders on the early ferry to Kelleys Island. We were set for the adventure and prepared to bird at land or sea.

Dave Lewis and his better/ saner half, Laurie also went along for the ride (probably illegally transporting a chipmunk- if I know these two.) It is a good thing too, as you will learn later ... dun dun dun... the tension builds.

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And while we were on the way to our first birding location, someone spotted a Common Loon swimming near the shoreline. There was nothing "common" about a loon to Christian Boix, our Tropical Birding guide from Cape Town Africa. This is how one of our most accomplished birders celebrates a "Life-bird!" We were all thrilled to celebrate with him.

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Kelleys' most famous geological feature- the Glacial Grooves- provides a point of cultural and historic interest on island life. Most of the limestone grooves created by a receding glacier were quarried for stone. This portion is preserved by the State park located at the end of Titus Road, which has an excellent treeline for an amazing selection of warblers. The Blackburian seemed to be our bird du jour, but no one was complaining. We explored the island on the best warbler "fall-out" day we have had this year, and spent the day enjoying all the island had to offer.

................ ....Photo by Dave Lewis

And lest we forget the botany, this limestone loving plant Aquilegia canadensis, the flame orange and yellow Wild Columbine sets its feet into the rock on the jagged shores of Lake Erie.

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Thanks to Dave for sharing some great photos with me, as my camera battery died, whilst stranded on this island. Dave is too professional to make such a rank amateur's mistake. And once I get caught up on some sleep- I'll post some more adventures- from BWIAB (Biggest Week In American Birding).