As published in the April 1, 2015 Toledo Business Journal
Kimberly Kaufman
Black Swamp Bird Observatory
Migratory birds bring $37M+ in spending
Northwest Ohio will soon host a large population of migratory birds and also a large number of visitors that travel from around the world to participate in this annual activity. Toledo Business Journal interviewed Kimberly Kaufman, director of the Black Swamp Bird Observatory (BSBO) to provide insight to our readers on the impact to northwest Ohio of this activity.
Toledo Business Journal: Can you explain northwest Ohio’s prominence concerning migratory birds?
Kimberly Kaufman: I like to say that all the birding stars align for us here in northwest Ohio! A large expanse of water is a daunting barrier to most migratory birds, especially songbirds weighing less than an ounce. Before crossing large bodies of water, songbirds need to rest and feed to build their energy reserves. Lake Erie presents a daunting barrier, and large concentrations of birds converge in the last remaining patches of wooded habitat along the lakeshore to rest and feed before crossing. Magee Marsh Wildlife Area (voted the #1 bird watching destination in the US by USA Today readers), is prime habitat for migratory birds, and the position of a mile-long boardwalk in the heart of wooded, lakefront habitat makes these large concentrations of birds accessible in spectacular fashion. And, since it’s a State wildlife area, the access to Magee Marsh is free.
TBJ: Our area has been called the “Warbler Capital of the world.” Can you explain?
KK: As we were developing our initial marketing plan, we felt a tag line was an important element of the campaign, and we figured that if Port Clinton could be the Walleye Capital of the World, it was legit to call the area the Warbler Capital of the World, too! And the fact is, this area of northwest Ohio is the best place to experience spring warbler migration anywhere in the western hemisphere, so on all counts, it’s a proper and fitting label.
TBJ: What is the timing of the bird migration in our area?
KK: Early migrants, like waterfowl and raptors, will start moving through the area in March. But the songbird migration that entices birders here from all over the world won’t being in earnest until late April and early May.
TBJ: What impact does bird watching have on our area economy? Can you provide data to quantify this impact?
KK: During April and May, 2014, more than 75,000 birders visited the area. They came from 45 states and 22 countries, and while they were here, they spent in excess of 37 million dollars in local businesses. This data is based on BSBO’s post-event economic impact study. And the best part? All this occurs during what had been considered the shoulder season—one of the slowest times for tourism. Businesses are opening nearly a full month earlier, extending their hours, and hiring more staff.
TBJ: What has been the trend in the number of visitors coming into the area over the past several years and can you provide estimates of their spending?
KK: We’ve seen a steady increase in the number of visitors since we launched the festival in 2010.
TBJ: What is the Black Swamp Bird and Business Alliance and how does it assist businesses that provide services to visitors?
KK: Our Birds and Business Alliance program was initially developed to raise awareness among local businesses of birding tourism in the area, and provide business owners with valuable information on providing quality services for the birding audience. The Alliance is also an important component of BSBO’s conservation business plan, creating a network that allows us to communicate birding and conservation information with Alliance members. The benefit to Alliance members is promotion of their business directly to the worldwide birding audience. There is a small annual fee to participate, and we’ve made a strong effort to make the program affordable — even for small businesses.
TBJ: Can you discuss the role of the Black Swamp Bird Observatory?
KK: The success of the biggest week is not a happy accident. The triumph of the event is the direct result of a business plan designed and executed by BSBO, and it all began with a move. The Observatory was originally based out of a small office in the city of Oak Harbor. In the spring of 2005, we moved the organization’s headquarters into the old ranger station at the entrance to Magee Marsh Wildlife Area. The leadership at BSBO immediately recognized the value of the birding experience at Magee Marsh, and the opportunity to promote this extraordinary birding destination to the world birding market. And the BSBO team was uniquely positioned to carry out this plan.
The business plan capitalized on BSBO’s strengths. Our research team had detailed knowledge of bird migration through the area that lent itself to our development of high quality birding services. These services included free birding area maps, bird migration updates and predictions, guided birding services, and up-to-the-minute bird sightings on Facebook and Twitter. To this suite of services we added regional travel information, as well. And, we offered all of these services free of charge. We wanted to establish BSBO as the go-to source for birding information in the area.
TBJ: Can you share information about your husband, Kenn Kaufman, and the role that he has played in the growth of bird observatory activities in northwest Ohio?
KK: Kenn is recognized as one of the world’s most renowned bird experts. When he moved here in 2005, and he immediately began writing about it in all of the national birding publications. Kenn’s endorsement of this region as a prime birding destination really helped put us on the map, and gave incredible reach to BSBO’s efforts right out of the starting gate. It also helped establish BSBO as the go-to resource for local birding information, creating great demand and bringing birders to the Observatory for the free services BSBO had ready.
TBJ: Are there any other issues that you would like to address?
KK: I’d just like to make the important connection between habitat conservation and the economic impact of birding tourism. To continue to provide the world-class birding experience that attracts birders from all over the globe, we must be good stewards of the habitat that supports these migratory birds. We must preserve the habitat that already exists, and expand and enhance these areas at every opportunity. Doing so is an investment in the health and wealth of our communities.