Biggest Week in American Birding

May 8th to May 17th

The Biggest Week in American Birding is a 10-day festival held annually in northwest Ohio, often referred to as the "Warbler Capital of the World". Organized by the Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO), the event coincides with the peak of spring songbird migration, attracting over 90,000 visitors from around the world.

So you may ask, what is a warbler?

• A warbler is a type of small, vocal, and highly active songbird known for its colorful plumage and insect-heavy diet. Birders often call them the "butterflies of the bird world" because they flit quickly from branch to branch and come in a dazzling variety of colors. Pictured below is a male Yellow Warbler.

Dates: The festival runs from Friday, May 8th to Sunday, May 17th

Location(s):  This is spring migration so birds will be everywhere!

• The headquarters for the festival is the lodge at Maumee Bay State Park where visitors can register and attend talks, buy goods from a variety of vendors and more.
• The city of Sylvania has a number of parks where the birds will be! Visit our Parks and Recreation page for a list of some good birding spots!
• The Toledo Metroparks maintains vast acres of wild spaces where you can find birds!
• The famous Magee Marsh Boardwalk hosts birds and birders alike, with different bird species seen along with birders from all states in the union and other countries! A must-see destination!
• Another must-see destination is Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Visit their Friends page for events, free shuttle rides, and more!