ODNR Division of Wildlife - Experiencing Wildlife - Birding

Ohio's Premiere Birding Opportunities:

Prime birding spots in state parks, wildlife areas, forests and nature preserves

Spring means outstanding birding opportunities in Ohio as migration of many bird species to nesting and brooding areas begins, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

White-eyed vireo

White-eyed Vireo

Ohio offers some of the best birding sites in the country, particularly along the Lake Erie shoreline. Ohio State Parks, nature preserves, forests, and wildlife areas are spectacular locations to view many species of birds, including bald eagles, owls, waterfowl, and shorebirds among many more.

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Magee Marsh State Wildlife Area (see map) in Lucas and Ottawa counties is recognized as one of the nation’s premier birding destinations. It offers thousands of acres along the western Lake Erie shoreline ideal for viewing the spring migration activities of warblers, tanagers, orioles and grosbeaks.

A handicap-accessible boardwalk, known as the bird trail, is next to the Sportsmen’s Migratory Bird Center at Magee Marsh and provides access to one of the best birding areas in the marsh.

International Migratory Bird Day is Saturday, May 9 at Magee Marsh and is an ideal day to visit. Magnificent bald eagles, herons, and waterfowl are among the many bird species observed at adjacent Crane Creek.

Other outstanding birding sites along Lake Erie include:
East Harbor State Park in Ottawa County with its scenic wetlands is sure to offer nature enthusiasts an abundance of wildlife to view, including ducks, geese, gulls, terns, and other migratory waterfowl.

Eastern Bluebird

Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve in Erie County is a diverse habitat offering an extensive species list. Unusual species such as the golden-winged warbler and the more common ducks and shorebirds often are found here.

Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve in Lake County features sandy beaches, dune grass, and open water, attracting dozens of migrating bird species, including raptors, ducks, and warblers. The preserve is the best remaining example of its kind in the state.

The adjacent Headlands Beach State Park also is a good birding location.

Maumee Bay State Park in Lucas County offers a spectacular two-mile elevated boardwalk through prime birding habitat, including swamplands and marsh, as well as an observation tower. The park’s scenic meadows, woods and marshes are teeming with wildlife.

Birders also should consider visiting the following public areas throughout Ohio: Killdeer Plains State Wildlife Area (map) in Wyandot and Marion counties, Grand Lake St. Marys State Park in Auglaize and Mercer counties, Killbuck State Wildlife Area (map) where Holmes and Wayne counties meet, Shawnee State Forest in Scioto and Adams counties, and the Hocking Hills region in Hocking County.

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