Re the recent posts, indeed, Crane Creek is a true hot-spot. We lived in
Columbus OH for 28 yrs. and would trek up there 4 or 5 times a year. In
case this thread inspires you to go there, here are a few more comments.
In the third week of May, one can find 100 to 120birds in the vicinity
with warbler counts of over 25 species. Great numbers of passerines are
found on the nature trail near the beach at Crane Creek State Park, while
waterfowl and large waders can be seen in the marshes along the road to
the beach. Adjacent to the Park, to the West, is Ottawa National
Wildlife Refuge. There one can walk the dikes and take trails through
more woodlands as well as fields. The Refuge is excellent for
shorebirds, with many rarities having been found in the Fall. Further to
the west are Metzger Marsh, where Terns and Gulls can be spotted from the
spit, and Maumee State Park, which is an overflight zone for hawks in the
Fall. A nice base of operations is the old restored Island House in Port
Clinton. John Hirth <Hirth at mme.wsu.edu>