Cape May Warbler, Magee Marsh, Ohio

“If your eye is generous, your whole being is full of light!” Jesus

I am blessed again this year to be at Magee Marsh, on the shores of Lake Erie, for spring migration. Every day at the marsh is a new show, as new waves of Warblers and other song birds reach the shores of the lake, and stop for a day (or two) to stock up before crossing the waters. Two days ago it was all Yellow Warblers (resident nesting birds) and Yellow-rumped Warblers, with a few Palm Warblers left over from the previous wave. Yesterday the Cape May Warblers (like the bird pictured here), the American Redstarts, Warbling Vireos, and smaller numbers of the “next wave” birds came in. Today????

Migration has always fascinated human beings, probably since we stopped migrating with the seasons ourselves. We watch the birds flow north in the spring with an appropriate sense of wonder. There is an aspect of renewal…especially with all the birds in fresh spring plumage…and a measure of hope with it. It is good to be alive in the spring when the song birds are moving! The weekend crowds at Magee Marsh and other migration hot-spots along Lake Eire and the other major flyways, attests to just broad the appeal is. Maybe a third of the crowds are birders and photographers, drawn every year, but two thirds are just regular citizens, out for a day to experience something extraordinary. The cries of delight, from children and adults, compete with the songs of the birds. It is good. The generous eye sees only good in these crowds (though the birdwatcher/photographer in me might prefer a less crowed boardwalk to work from :). You can feel the good energy…very similar to what you feel in a really inspired praise service at an “outgoing” church. God is praised in the migration of song birds, and we are privileged to join in the worship.

Happy Sunday!