ASO September 8th 2024 Field Trip

Fall Migration; Warblers & Shorebirds

Sunday, September 8, 2024, 8:00 A.M.

Meet: At the Shawnee Lookout boat ramp upper parking lot. The upper parking lot is located directly across from the Shawnee Lookout Park entrance. (See directions below)

Leader: Ann Oliver, (513) 307-0929, annieobirder@yahoo.com

An excellent argument can be made that, after May, September is the next best birding month in our region, at least in terms of the greatest number of species one could find in a given month. September represents the peak of fall migration for both song birds (especially warblers) and shorebirds. Numbers of other species such as early waterfowl, long-legged waders, tern’s, raptors and others also migrate south during this month. Fall migration will be in full swing on this date and finding a diversity of species will be the primary focus on this field trip.

Our trip leader is Ann Oliver, an expert and skilled birder. Ann is also a long time Audubon advocate and board member. With Ann’s birding skills and the peak of fall migration, we can expect to find a wide variety of birds. Ann will begin this field trip at the Shawnee Lookout Park entrance to take advantage of migrant songbirds, especially warblers.

Since our primary focus of this field trip is the fall migration of warblers and other songbirds, Ann will spend most of the morning at Shawnee Lookout. Depending on time and current birding reports, Ann may lead us to another nearby spot or two such as the Lost Bridge area or the Oxbow to look for migrating shorebirds and other water birds.

The diverse habitats of these excellent birding sites at this time of the year should yield a great diversity of species. Warblers and many other song birds should be abundant. Shorebirds, herons & egrets, terns, and other water birds could be seen in nearby locations. Hawks, including Osprey & Bald Eagles, are all likely to be found during this morning trip.

The plan is to bird until around noon. There will be quite a bit of walking on this trip, but most of it will be generally easy and at a comfortable birding pace. Binoculars are necessary if you expect to see birds. Restrooms are available at Shawnee Lookout. A Hamilton County Park Motor Vehicle Permit is required at all Hamilton County Parks. Daily Motor Vehicle Permits can be purchased for $5 for Hamilton County residents and $8 for non-residents at park entrance booths ($10 & $16 annual). Please feel free to contact Ann if you have any questions.

Directions to Shawnee Lookout Park: We will meet at the Shawnee Lookout boat ramps upper parking lot at 8:00 a.m. The upper parking lot is located directly across from the Shawnee Lookout Park entrance. Shawnee Lookout is located at 2008 Lawrenceburg Rd. North Bend, Ohio. Take I-275 to the Kilby Road Exit # 21. Turn south on Kilby Road and go about 1 mile to the stop light at U.S. 50. Turn right onto US 50 and go about 2 miles to the stop light at Lawrenceburg Road and turn left. Follow Lawrenceburg Road to the stop sign at the end of the Great Miami Bridge (Lost Bridge), turn right and go about 1.5 miles to the park entrance which is on the left. The upper boat ramp parking lot where we will meet is on the right, directly across from the Park entrance.

(Contributed by Jay Stenger)