The Hits Just Keep on Comin'

Kimberly Kaufman (in green) and her support staff following a morning in the marsh; July 20, 2017

One steamy summer morning this past July, I had the privilege of guiding a handful of staff members and a handful of board members and volunteers from the Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO) along portions of our interior dike system to take in the sites and sounds and to talk conservation and restoration. I say "portions" of the marsh because for those of you who are or who know birders, you can appreciate that tours tend to move at their own (slow) walking pace!

I really enjoyed our time together. It is always fun to see a group taken aback by a solitary bald eagle resting at close range on the dike. I got a real kick out of watching synchronized binoculars race to catch up with a young sandpiper scurrying across the path and hearing the collective "ooohhh!" as a black-crowned night heron banked overhead. Even though we didn't see anything especially "rare" -- particularly to a group of seasoned bird watchers -- everything seemed to be enthusiastically perceived as special.

The morning was particularly special for me and for Standing Rush. Of course, I loved the time together on the tour. But as the sun gained height and intensity, and as we sought refuge in the shade of some towering cottonwood trees before going our separate ways, BSBO's Executive Director Kimberly Kaufman made an informal presentation of sorts that really left me humbled.

This BSBO thank you note from our July field trip together
sits on my office window sill as a reminder and motivation

I've come to learn that $5 of every online registration for BSBO's stunning Biggest Week in American Birding is pooled into a collective "conservation fund." And each year the staff, board, and supporting committees vote on recipients to be stewards of these funds. Under the shade of those quaking leaves, Kim announced to me and to the group that Standing Rush would be this year's unanimous and sole recipient.

To say that I was (and am) flattered would be a gross understatement. It was a surreal moment in the life of this project -- and a tough secret to keep until Kim could make this announcement public.

Kim presenting me with an unrestricted gift of $8,000
to be used for on-the-ground restoration efforts
at Standing Rush

My wife and I were again flattered, this time as guests of BSBO's 25th anniversary gathering this past Saturday evening at Maumee Bay State Park. A packed tent braved crisp autumn temps to take in this historic milestone for the non-profit and to hear Kim's remarks (which she echoed in her notes that prefaced the organization's recently released newsletter, see page 2).

We were truly honored to be a part of the night. And I appreciated the opportunity (1) to tell all those in attendance that each dollar of their collective gift would be put to good use -- and (2) to reciprocate a thank you!

ASIDE: As another incredible example of the serendipity of this project, I recently found that all of our unanticipated costs incurred because of challenges associated with this year's historically high water (dike damage, extra water conveyance, etc.) ultimately tallied to a now familiar dollar amount: $8,000. (See photo at right.) Unbelievable.

P.S. Whether you are a birder or not, if you have an interest in or passion for the environment, do yourself a favor and learn more about BSBO -- maybe even consider becoming a member. While birds reign supreme, there is a lot more to their organization than beaks and feathers!

BSBO and the Biggest Week in American Birding

Special thanks to BSBO staff, leaders, volunteers, and guests for two enjoyable mornings
afield this past week at Standing Rush

With 1,100 trees now planted, 200+ pike to attend to, 140 tree tubes installed, nearly 100 bird species identified, 2 guided birding walks completed in collaboration with the Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO), and 1 student from St. John's Jesuit HS shadowing me, (in addition to the routine happenings of a typical week at work,) this truly was a "Biggest Week."

One of literally dozens of species of warblers, small 
migratory songbirds that draw birdwatchers to our area 
by the tens of thousands each year
(Yellow-rumped Warbler)

This weekend marks the official end to BSBO's Biggest Week in American Birding festival -- an annual ten day celebration highlighting NW Ohio's significance in a transcontinental migration that pulls hundreds of bird species . . . and now 100,000+ birdwatchers . . . to and through our area. Lake Erie (and all the Great Lakes, for that matter) present quite an impediment for our winged guests, who -- in springtime -- are flying back north from the southern U.S. and even Central and South America to find suitable nesting and summering habitat further north. So our south shore becomes a magnet for large concentrations of all things birding -- birds and people. And as an oasis of food and shelter, the marshes of the Western Basin of Lake Erie become the epicenter.

As readers of this blog may recall, last fall we were the lone recipient of BSBO's conservation fund, an inspiring reinvestment in local, grassroots efforts to protect and improve local habitats that benefit resident and migrant bird populations -- along with the broader ecosystem. These funds come $5 at a time from "Biggest Week" registrations. So again, we say thank you.

Lighting was poor, but it was still exciting to
see this Sandhill Crane -- only the second
we've seen on the ground since we took
possession of the property

This was our first spring as an official participant in a logistical marvel. Dozens and dozens of guided trips are offered to dozens and dozens of diverse locations from Oak Openings to Erie County. Federal and State properties absorb tremendous numbers of birders, but this is also an opportunity for enthusiasts to tour private properties, like ours, that have limited or no access any other time of year.

Photos probably summarize our two morning walks better than my words can. But essentially, the goal was to open the floor to the main attraction -- the birds -- while sprinkling in some of the history and promise that makes our property unique. There was definitely a genuine interest in our restoration activities, and I have to admit, it was a shot in the arm to hear people from all over the country enthusiastically endorse what we are undertaking.

Birders are a rare breed, from my experience. Most revel in the detail and the diversity of their most highly prized subjects, but most also appreciate that they are part of a broader ecosystem. It's pretty tough to have one without the other, so our growing collaboration with BSBO makes a lot of sense. Sure, our guests loved compiling their "list" of nearly 100 bird species seen on the property (not bad for ~10 hours of walking and observing over two spring mornings), but they also appreciated hearing where the land has been and where we hope to take it into the future.

Thursday's group in action -- participants came from as far afield as Texas and North Carolina; in fact, I would say
we had as many guests from out of state (and considerably so) than we did from Ohio

I lucked into some pretty cool composition with this photo; I love the unique bend of the log beneath the on-legged perch
of a bird that is typically most at home standing in mud
(I'm not confident with my shorebirds, but I'm pretty confident that this is a Solitary Sandpiper)

We pulled water off our 40-acre Rest Pond over the last week in the hopes of drawing some shorebird diversity;
these Short-Billed Dowitchers (along with a dozen-plus other species of long-legged guests) didn't disappoint

This Palm Warber winters in Central America or the Caribbean, but it contributes not only to Northwest Ohio's
designation as the "Warbler Capital of the World" but also to stiff necks (see below)

A familiar scene -- not only at our property, but all over the region as spring migrants push north

For those interested in a comprehensive list, here are the 80 species of birds we collectively observed and recorded on one of the two (~5 hour) walks at Standing Rush this past week. I haven't seen the list for the other outing yet, but it was amazing to me how certain species made their presence known one day but not the other. I guess it's a testament to the logic of a biggest week. Truth is, there have been migrants flying through our region for months now, and their will be for another couple months. And just as one thinks migrations north are all wrapped up, birds begin passing back through on their way back to wintering grounds. Upshot is: keep the binoculars and handy.

P.S. Parts of our property were part of what was referred to historically as "Medusa Marsh" (because of the influence of the Medusa Portland Cement Company's plant physically located just to our north at the unincorporated community of Bay Bridge -- just east of Bay View). We aren't even sure what marked the boundaries associated with this name, but for most birders, Medusa Marsh is anything loosely located around our highway exit. People are almost apologetic to use this name for the property; I like it -- it's part of the heritage and history of the land.

Fall Migrants and More Good News

A small flock of juvenile Yellow-rumped (or Myrtle) Warblers kept me entertained/constantly moving with the camera;
they were just doing what they do: flitting out for groggy bugs between bites of dogwood berries

Appropriately, northwest Ohio in general and the southwestern shoreline of Lake Erie more specifically receive a great deal of attention from birders (bird and bird watching enthusiasts) during the spring. As soon as the snow melts -- and in truth, even before -- a steady and diverse stream of colorful visitors on-the-wing and equally colorful people behind their binoculars begin their annual right of passage.

A rare opportunity to catch a still Yellow-rumped,
enjoying some morning sunshine

For those with feathers, spring "migrants" are making a move from south to north, in preparation for breading wherever they call home for the summer months. For everyone else, it is an opportunity to observe a natural phenomenon that is both unique to our region and significant to a much broader geography (like from the southern tip of South America to the northern reaches of the Arctic Circle).

This particular pulse of life northward is amplified by our Great Lake and its proximity to the others. Huge expanses of huge water become "pinch points," funneling millions of birds that are often weighed in single digit grams over specific land masses. We are one of the biggest beneficiaries -- witnessing hundreds of bird species as they temporarily stop over to rest, and now (as the word continues to get out) witnessing hundreds of thousands of bird lovers who visit our area to participate in this annual spectacle.

One of the main reasons this news has expanded to an ever-increasing number of people ties back to the tireless efforts of a tremendous grassroots organization that has been very good not only to the birds, but to conservation in general and Standing Rush in particular -- the Black Swamp Bird Observatory.

The acrobatic -- and often difficult to photograph --
Ruby-crowned Kinglet

I've certainly written about the great work of BSBO and our recent and ongoing efforts to collaborate. The Biggest Week in American Birding (or "Biggest Week" as it is affectionately abbreviated) has become the culmination of bird loving fun in NW Ohio in the spring. But it's important to realize: (1) that the spring migrants north come back south -- with nice pulses of new visitors visiting the marsh right now; and, (2) BSBO's work is year-round.

If you want to keep up on daily activities at the Observatory, their Facebook page is a treat. Not only do they update on coming events and tours (again, year round), they also include tons of awesome photos with reliable identification -- especially when they are mist netting and banding birds as they are right now. This is an activity that I hope to bring to Standing Rush soon. Not only does it have significant research implications, but banding also provides an incredible educational opportunity for people to gain up-close and personal experiences with these magical little critters.

The tiny Golden-crowned Kinglet;
one of my absolute favorites
(click to enlarge)

My impromptu bird walk yesterday turned out to be very timely for several reasons. First off, I was able to check in on the construction project a couple times while trucks brought clay back to the project site -- a good sign that we are definitely starting to put things back together!

Also, I received two phone calls from BSBO members while I was walking the dikes with binocs in hand. As it turns out, I am thrilled to report that for the second consecutive year, Standing Rush has been unanimously chosen by the Observatory to be the sole recipient of their Biggest Week Conservation Fund -- an unrestricted monetary gift that will go directly to our restoration and preservation initiatives. We are once again humbled, honored, and just so appreciative of this incredible generosity. Once again, all those involved should rest well knowing their resources will be put to very good use! You can read more through BSBO's beautiful quarterly newsletter here.

Finally, my walk was well-timed because not only was I able to count ~30 species in ~90 minutes of walking, as you see here, I was also able to capture a few of them reasonably well on camera. I won't be winning any photography contests any time soon, but it's always tons of fun to have some visual account of some of what I was able to see. (Other highlights included: Northern Waterthrush, Fox Sparrow, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and Great Horned Owl).

Got lucky with how this one turned out -- love how the striking White-throated Sparrow is still identifiable
behind the well-focused cherry limb

I love how this image of blackbirds -- a hallmark of the transition that is autumn -- almost appears black and white
rather than full color

A slightly more colorful rendition of blackbirds -- obviously this time on the wing
(at some point, I need to write a post on "blackbirds" because there are at least a handful of species that qualify in our area)

Another sure sign that we are in the midst of transition; this image also serves as a good reminder of how
intertwined marsh management (and in fact, the very existence of coastal wetlands) is with row-crop agriculture

Introducing the Marsh Shop!

With the countdown to Christmas now truly upon us,
Standing Rush presents it’s own 12 Days of Christmas.
In the spirit of giving, please visit our brand-new online shop.

1st Day of Christmas: Stand for Clean Water Clear Decal

Today, I am thrilled to announce the unveiling of a new Standing Rush website -- standingrushshop.org! While it is built as a stand-alone, it will also be accessible through this blog (see the "SHOP" tab above) and will be housed under our new parent URL, www.standingrush.org.

Today's launch marks the culmination of months of design work and collaboration with my brother, Joe. His passion, creativity, generosity, and pure talent (not to mention sense of humor) have made this journey an absolute blast. As is so often the case, ideas far exceed dollars, but we are using part of the gift recently received from the BSBO Conservation Fund to make this dream a reality.

The primary goals of our online product offering are two-fold: (1) to help improve the impact and reach of our brand; and (2) to build a broader base of supporters, not only financial but ideological, so that we can magnify the impact of our work.

So each of our products has been carefully crafted and meticulously designed not only to help spread the word about our restoration and conservation efforts, but also to increase awareness and pride for our incredible natural resources (which technically aren't really "ours") -- maybe most notably, the incredible resource that is Lake Erie.

This is going to be fun. Happy holidays, twelve days early -- and happy shopping!

Pretty hard not to call this the true "Swamp Shop," but I think our beloved Mudhens

would have a few things to say about that!

Welcome WGTE/Public Television

Roy, mid-interview; per usual, his modesty in communicating complex concepts of marsh management
makes the delivery of his message easily digestible and enjoyable

Yesterday afternoon, we were flattered at the opportunity to tour two talented, young videographers from WGTE (Toledo's public media outlet) around the marsh. To their credit, Kaitlyn and Courtney weren't deterred by decent chances of afternoon thunderstorms, unpredictably warm temps (5-10 degrees above the forecast), or a dewpoint that lead to oppressive humidity at times through the late afternoon and evening.

As the skies opened and the rain poured down the heaviest (literally just as their van pulled in the driveway), we were all feeling a bit sheepish about our collective decision to move forward with our plans. But both the weather gods and the wildlife gods ultimately shined upon us. I think our guests were pleased with the amount of activity in front of their cameras, and we were pleased with the opportunity to continue to tell our story to a broader audience.

Cedar waxwing; tough light, dense cover,
still such a cool bird

Good friend Steve Pollick (retired Outdoors Editor from The Blade) was the initial catalyst for this outing. Ever and ally and an advocate of mine, Steve finally approached me with an opportunity to help him on one of his projects. Flight Path: The World of Migratory Birds is a really exciting project being spearheaded by WGTE and the Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO). Both are leaders in their respective arenas, and both put an extreme premium on presenting their passions with professionalism. (As a sidebar, northwest Ohio should count both among a shortlist of community gems.)

The video embedded in the link above begins to tell the story of Flight Path, but in essence it's an opportunity to spotlight the critical role of northwest Ohio in the intercontinental migration of literally dozens and dozens of bird species. The creative team has already collected footage in Panama and they are heading into Ontario next week. We were flattered that they were interested in collecting footage at Standing Rush as part of the story in between.

The modest images presented here will pale in comparison to what they captured while we were together. Spoiler alert -- highlights included but weren't limited to: a fairly close encounter with a pair of trumpeter swans and five young (2-week old) cygnets, literally 40+ eagles (mostly juveniles), lots of wading birds (a determined great egret chasing minnows proved to be a favorite), a couple indigo buntings, and of course plenty of other illusive song birds -- including our resident swarm of yellow warblers.

Had to include this candid shot of a yellow warbler;
they proved to be Kaitlyn's nemesis but this one cooperated
with me as Roy was being interviewed by the bunkhouse
(I'm pretty sure this male is guarding a nest in a portable
duck blind near our shop)

The bonus of last night's effort is that in addition to providing b-roll footage for the birding documentary, the visuals and running commentary will also be edited into one or more short video pieces to support a national/international effort called Rare: Creatures of the Photo Ark.

You can learn more about renowned photographer Joel Sartore and his productions by visiting his "visual ark." Our involvement comes with the project's broader goal to take land preservation and wildlife conservation to the local, grassroots level. Our story will join many others, large and small, to help speak to the power of a collective force toward conservation. They may serve as stand-alone pieces, but they will also help promote the broader project. It's a classic example of "think globally, act locally."

We're pleased to be included and will certainly provide updates and links as finished products become available.

Kaitlyn chasing herons and egrets through the southern unit of the West Marsh; breaks in the clouds even allowed for some
blue sky and nice evening light (I was struck by how much greener everything looked compared to just a short week or so ago)

P.S. A flock of eight American white pelicans visited our East Marsh just before the film crew arrived. This is the second time in a week and the third time this year we've gotten to see them. Unfortunately, they didn't stick around to pose for the cameras!