LOCAL BIRDING AREAS


Total Votes: 1 / Interest: 638

MAUMEE BAY STATE PARK: From Route 2, go 2.5 miles north on N. Curtice Road to the park entrance. Good birding all year, with gulls and waterfowl at beach, wintering raptors in open fields, migrant songbirds along boardwalk through forest. Campground and lodge. Nature center: (419) 836-9117. For a map, click HERE
 
MALLARD CLUB MARSH WILDLIFE AREA: From Route 2, go 2.5 miles north on Cousino Road and then 0.2 miles east on Cedar Point Road to the parking area on the north side of the road. Trails lead out into the marsh, a good habitat for bitterns and rails in the warmer months, many water birds all year. For a map, click HERE
 
METZGER MARSH WILDLIFE AREA: Just east of the village of Bono, Route 2 makes a major curve to run south. The well-marked turnoff to Metzger is on the curve. The marsh is outstanding for waterfowl in migration and for nesting marsh birds in summer, while the woodlot at the end of the road is excellent for migrating songbirds. For a BSBO birding map of the area, click HERE. 
 
KRAUSE / STANGE ROADS: From the Metzger Marsh turnoff, Route 2 runs south for more than 2 miles. A short distance before it bends eastward again, Krause Road runs to the east for a mile, intersecting with Stange Road, which runs south to meet Route 2. Fields along these two roads have hosted many interesting migrants, including shorebirds and hawks. A viewing platform near the junction of Krause and Stange gives a distant view of one impoundment of the Ottawa Refuge next door. 
 
OTTAWA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE: The main entrance is on Route 2, about 18 miles east of Toledo/Oregon and about 17 miles west of Port Clinton, or about one mile east of the junction with Route 590 or two miles west of the junction with Route 19. Walking trails give access to woods, marsh, and mudflats, providing excellent birding all year. An auto tour route is open one or two days per month, and the visitors’ center has fine educational displays. Phone 419 898-0014. 

For an overview of birding on the refuge, click HERE for the ONWR Overview map, for information about birding along the Auto Tour route, click HERE for the Auto Tour map and for information about birding along the trails that are open every day, click HERE for the ONWR Walking Trail map.
 
MAGEE MARSH WILDLIFE AREA & CRANE CREEK BEACH RIDGE: The entrance road leaves the north side of Route 2, about 18 miles east of Toledo/Oregon and about 16 miles west of Port Clinton, or about half a mile east of the entrance to Ottawa NWR. The boardwalk through the woods at the end of the road is famous as one of the best places in the world to see warblers up close in May, but the whole area is excellent for birding all year. For the BSBO birding map of the area, click HERE. For a map of the Magee Marsh Board Walk click HERE. The Sportmen's Migratory Bird Center on the area has many educational displays. The Black Swamp Bird Observatory is also located at the entrance to Magee Marsh. 
 
PICKEREL CREEK WILDLIFE AREA: On the north side of U.S. Highway 6, about 7 miles east of Fremont. A little more than half a mile east of County Road 256 is a parking area with an observation tower giving an overview of part of the area, and trails along the dikes provide access. Often an excellent area for shorebirds and waterfowl in migration. For a map, click HERE.
 
EAST HARBOR STATE PARK: From Port Clinton, go east on Route 163 about four miles to Route 269 and then north about a mile to the park entrance on the right. The park’s campground and beach are popular in summer but the area is outstanding for birding all year, with marshes, woods, and big concentrations of migrant songbirds in season. Park office: 419 734-4424. For a map, click HERE.

GREAT EGRET MARSH: Right across from the entrance to East Harbor State Park, Great Egret Marsh is a brand new nature preserve owned and managed by The Ohio Nature Conservancy. GEM offers a wonderful diversity of habitats- from open marsh that looks great for waterbirds, woodland that should attract lots of migrants, and open fields that should be excellent for sparrows in the fall! For more information and directions click HERE
 
KELLEYS ISLAND: This beautiful island (accessible by auto ferry from Marblehead, on Route 163 east of Port Clinton) is a popular vacation spot, but also a fine birding area, especially during migration. For a map, click HERE and for more information, click HERE.
 
PIPE CREEK WILDLIFE AREA: From U.S. Highway 6 on the east side of Sandusky, turn north on Cedar Point Drive, then turn right at River Avenue (just after the McDonald’s). The small parking lot for Pipe Creek is at the end of River Avenue. Impoundments are good for shorebirds, waterfowl, and wading birds, while the woods hold fallouts of songbirds during migration. Note that traffic going to Cedar Point Amusement Park can be very heavy on warm weekends. For a map, click HERE
 
SHELDON MARSH STATE NATURE RESERVE: Entrance is on the north side of U.S. Highway 6, about six miles east of Sandusky and about two miles west of Huron. Trails lead out to Lake Erie shoreline. Good for marsh birds most of year; woodlots host big concentrations of migrant songbirds in spring and fall. For a map click HERE.

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OTHER BIRDING AREAS OF INTEREST

BLACK SWAMP BIRD OBSERVATORY
Oak Harbor - 419 898-4070 
Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, year-round; additional hours by season. 
Just north of Ohio State Route 2, at the entrance to Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, the headquarters for Black Swamp Bird Observatory is immediately to your left. The Observatory is open on weekends year-round, open several days per week during migration season, and open every day during May. This is a good place to stop to get the latest information on sightings and hotspots, birding area maps designed by Kenn Kaufman, check out the fabulous selection of bird and nature books in the gift shop, and meet fellow birders. Behind the building is the Gallagher Memorial Trail, a handicap accessible walking trail leading through woodland edge, second growth woods, and meadow, all of which are often good for migrants. The Gallagher Trail also provides the area's best opportunity to experience the bizarre and dazzling display of the American Woodcock. The Window on Wildlife in the Observatory’s gift shop is often a good place to see orioles, grosbeaks, and other birds visiting the feeders, and warblers and other songbirds visiting the water garden. 

BLACK RIVER RESERVATION 
Lorain/Elyria · 440 458-5121 
Open dawn to dusk, year-round. Managed by Lorain County Metro Parks.
The Black River Reservation features the 3.5-mile Black River Bridgeway Trail passing through outstanding birding habitats and over two bridges spanning the Black River. Habitats include a large prairie remnant and an extensive oxbow swamp. Drinking fountains, rest rooms, 3.5 miles of paved trails, handicap accessible, bikes and roller blades permitted.

Directions: From Route 2, exit Route 254 west E. River/Gulf Road. Turn left 200 feet to Ford Road and to Bur Oak area, or turn right to 31st Street (1.5 miles) to Day's Dam Area. 

CALEY NATIONAL WILDLIFE WOODS
Wellington · 440 458-5121 
Open 8am to dusk, year-round. Managed by Lorain Metro Parks.
Consisting of managed wetlands, Caley National Wildlife Woods is a place for waterfowlers. Nearly all species of dabbling ducks use this 500-acre park during spring and fall migration. Portable rest rooms, two miles of natural trails. 

Directions: From Route 2, exit south on Route 58. Follow 58 to Whitney Road and turn left. Turn right on West Road to park entrance (500 feet).

CARLISLE RESERVATION
12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange · 440 458-5121 
Open 8 a.m. to dusk, year-round. Visitors center is open 8am - 4:30pm, daily. Managed by Lorain County Metro Parks.
Carlisle Reservation encompasses 1,700 acres, with a duck pond, a restored wetland area and an observation area. Field identification of pumpkin-ask at this site recently initiated its discovery at many Ohio sites and prompted alteration of its endangered status. Visitors center, rest rooms, drinking fountain, handicap accessible, gift shop, conference space, indoor observation area, 10 miles of crushed stone and natural trails, one handicap accessible trail.  

Directions: From Route 2 or Ohio Turnpike Exit 145, take Route 57 south. This route bypasses Elyria and is joined by Route 301. Follow Route 301 to LaGrange Road. Take LaGrange Road south 1,000 feet to Nickle-Plate Diagonal Road. Turn right on Diagonal Road to park entrance.

CASTALIA STATE FISH HATCHERY
7018 Homegardner Rd., Castalia · 419 684-7499 
Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. Managed by Ohio Division of Wildlife.
With open water year-round, this birding site deserves your attention. As part of the Castalia Blue Hole system of underground springs, the area provides a unique birding experience. With the available supply of fish, herons and egrets are common. Portable rest rooms April through October. 

Directions: From Route 2, exit Route 6 Sandusky/Fremont exit, and follow Route 6 east towards Sandusky. Almost immediately, turn right on Bardshar Rd. and follow to Homegardner Rd. Turn right (west) onto Homegardner Rd. Watch for signs.

CASTALIA POND
Route 269, Castalia · 419 625-7783 
Open 8 a.m. to dusk, year-round. Managed by Erie MetroParks.
This 12-acre pond is at its best from late fall to early spring when waterfowl species head to its open waters. Ample parking at either end of pond.

Directions: From Route 2 or 6, take Route 269 into Castalia. 

CASTALIA QUARRY RESERVE
Castalia · 419 625-7783 
Open 8 a.m. to dusk, year-round. Managed by Erie MetroParks.
The Castalia Quarry Reserve is an abandoned limestone quarry surrounded by forest and fields. The Quarry Rim Trail offers excellent views of migrating raptors plus habitats for smaller birds. Trails on the north side of Route 101 just off the parking lot are good places to see migrating wetland species. A walk-up observation tower allows broad landscape views of raptors and other passing birds. Restrooms open seasonally, two miles of natural and gravel trails. Located on Route 101, two miles west of Castalia.

CEDAR MEADOW PRESERVE
4730 E. Cemetery Road
Port Clinton, OH 43452
Public Access; Open daily, dawn until dusk 
Hiking Trails

The 62 acres that encompass this preserve were acquired in 2005 by Catawba Island Township, with help from the Clean Ohio Fund and the Black Swamp Conservancy. The property is a mosaic of successional fields, mature woodland, shrub zones, and wetlands. It’s location on Catawba Island, which is a peninsula that juts into Lake Erie, makes Cedar Meadow an excellent spot for migratory songbirds that are preparing to cross the lake in spring, or have just made the crossing in fall. Nearly every species of regularly occurring migrant songbird could be expected given the preserve’s diversity of habitat, and as more birders discover this site an impressive species list should be accumulated. Cedar Meadow is only minutes from the ferry dock that services the Bass islands and is a worthwhile stop before or after visiting the islands.

COUPLING RESERVE
11618 Route 13, Milan Township · 419 625-7793 
Open 8 a.m. to dusk, year-round. Managed by Erie MetroParks.
The Huron River and its floodplain are the highlights of this park area. It is an excellent place to view spring and fall migrations, as well as water birds. Portable restroom in season, reservable overnight accommodations, nature trails. Located on Route 13, between Mason Road and U.S. Rt. 250.

CULLEN PARK 
4500 N. Summit Street, Point Place (Toledo) Ohio 43611
http://cullenpark.org/birding/birding-information/

Cullen Park is a birding paradise located in the Maumee Bay, at the Western most part of Lake Erie.  We have a mile long tree-linedhiking causeway that juts out `into the Maumee Bay, with access via CullenPark. The park offers the only free public boat launch in the area, allowing birding from the water’s edge. We also have an active Bald Eagle’s nest in a wooded area just south of Cullen Park known as“Nautical Village”, which is within walking distance (1/4 mile) towards the Lighthouse. Just south of the lighthouse is a 1.25 mile long crushed stone paththat will give you a great view of the Eagle’s nest and many other species of both perching and water birds.

DUPONT MARSH AND HURON RIVER GREENWAY
Huron · 419 25-7783
Open 8 a.m. to dusk, year-round. Managed by Erie MetroParks.
Dupont Marsh has excellent views of marshland along the Huron River. A variety of woodland species can be found along the Huron River Greenway and in the woods adjacent to the marsh. Portable restrooms in season, nature trails.
Located on River Road, south of Cleveland Road East (Route 6).

EDISON WOODS PRESERVE
Berlin Heights · 419 625-7783 
Open 8 a.m. to dusk, year-round. Managed by Erie MetroParks.
Edison Woods Preserve is comprised of marshy meadows and wet-woods, and it's an excellent place to view the spring neo-tropical migration. Nesting species include blue-winged and yellow warblers, ovenbirds, scarlet tanagers, and rose-breasted grosbeaks. Over 300 acres of tall grass prairie were planted in fall of 2002 and will provide large native meadows. Portable restroom May through October, six miles of hiking paths, plus bridle trails.
From Route 2, exit south on Route 61. Edison Woods is located two miles south of Route 2. 

ERIE MARSH PRESERVE 
Monroe, MI - Learn more HERE
Erie Marsh is one of the largest coastal wetlands on Lake Erie, supporting numerous animals and plants that would otherwise be hard-pressed to find suitable habitat. The most significant feature of this area is its role as a migratory and nesting area for shorebirds, waterfowl, landbirds, and in the fall, raptors. It also harbors some of Michigan’s few remaining colonies of American lotus, and swamp rose-mallow, both listed as state-threatened.

Click HERE for a trail map. 

FINDLEY STATE PARK
25381 Route 58, Wellington · 440 647-4490 
Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., year-round. Managed by Ohio State Parks.
Findley State Park is a 93-acre lake surrounded by beech, maple and pine trees. Restroom, drinking fountain, 10 miles of natural trails.
From Route 2, take Route 58 south 25 miles to park.

FRENCH CREEK RESERVATION
4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village · 440 949-5200 
Open 8 a.m. to dusk, year-round. Visitors center is open 10am to 4:30pm, daily. Managed by Lorain County Metro Parks.
With 428 acres of forest, the French Creek Reservation is a haven for woodland species. Ravines and stream valleys dividing the forest create its hilly terrain. Visitors center; restrooms; drinking fountain; indoor observation area; gift shop; conference area; and two miles of paved, crushed stone, natural and boardwalk trails, some handicap accessible.
From Route 2, take Route 611 north two miles to park entrance on the left.

HOFFMAN FOREST RESERVE
5313 Huff Rd., Berlin Township · 419 625-7783 
Open 8 a.m. to dusk, year-round. Managed by Erie MetroParks.
Hoffman Forest Reserve contains dense mixed forest along with a creek bed and a large meadow/old field area. Seasonal portable restrooms, nature trails.
Located on Huff Road, between Arlington and Chapin Roads.

HURON HARBOR AND PIER
Huron
This mile-long pier attracts large concentrations of gulls, Caspian and common terns and blackbirds.
From Route 6, turn north on Center Street to Wall Street. Turn right on Wall Street, then left on Main Street. The pier is at the end of Main Street.

LORAIN HARBOR
Lorain
The breakwater and jetties attract herons and shorebirds, as well as ducks. The east side of the harbor attracts summer shorebirds.
To East Pier, take Route 6 to Arizona Avenue north 500 feet to parking. To Municipal Pier, take Route 6 to Oberlin Avenue north 1,000 feet to pier.

JAMES H. MCBRIDE ARBORETUM
901 Rye Beach Rd., Huron
419 625-7783 
Open 8 a.m. to dusk, year-round. 
Managed by Erie MetroParks.
In addition to an arboretum, this site contains a woodlot that is an excellent place to see warblers and other neo-tropical birds in migration. Bluebird and other nest boxes can be found in the large meadows and other grassy areas. Arboretum, nature trails, reservable shelter.
From Route 2, exit at Rye Beach Road. Located behind the BGSU Firelands College campus.

MEADOWBROOK MARSH
Located on E. Bayshore Road one-half mile west of Dempsey Access. 
Amenities: Picnic table, park benches, observation deck, paved biking/walking trails, grass and mulched walking trails along the prairie and in the forest. Scenic views of wetland marsh. For information about the marsh and a map click HERE.

Directions: Follow State Route 2 to State Route 269N in Danbury Township (Exit 125A-B). Exit at 269N and continue northbound following Exit 125A until it terminates at State Route 163. Turn east and follow State Route 163 to Englebeck Road . (Englebeck is directly across from N. Shore Blvd. and Windjammer Restaurant). Turn south on Englebeck. Continue until Englebeck terminates at E. Bayshore Rd. (CR 135). Turn East. Follow E. Bayshore approximately one-half mile. Entrance to Meadowbrook is on the north side of E. Bayshore Rd. and is marked by a large “Meadowbrook Marsh” sign. 

MIDDLE BASS ISLAND
800 441-1271 
An ideal location for spotting birds. The 20-acre Kuehnle Wildlife Area is a unique wetland that provides a resting area for migrating birds.
Ferryboat transportation is available from Miller Boat Line off Route 53 in Catawba.

OLD WOMAN CREEK NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE AND STATE NATURE PRESERVE
2514 Cleveland Rd. E. (Route 6), Huron · 419-433-4601 
Trails and Barrier Beach- Sunrise to Sunset, Daily. Visitor Center- Monday: Closed Tuesday-Friday: 9:00am-4:00pm Weekends: 1:00pm-5:00pm (April - September only). Managed by Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves.
As one of the Great Lakes' best remaining natural estuaries, Old Woman Creek attracts waterfowl, wading birds, raptors, and neo-tropical migrants. Strategically placed trails and observation areas afford excellent views of the estuary, surrounding uplands and near shore Lake Erie. Visitors center; drinking fountain; restrooms; indoor viewing area; 1.25 miles of paved, natural and boardwalk trails; laboratories; classroom; reference library.
From Route 2, take the Route 61 exit and head north toward the lake. Turn left on Route 6. Old Woman Creek is located one mile west on State Route 6.

OSBORN PARK
3910 E. Perkins Ave., Huron · 419 625-7783 
Open 7 a.m. to dusk, year-round. Managed by Erie MetroParks.
Osborn Park's habitats include extensive meadows and two woodlots that harbor a variety of interesting species. Birdfeeders located in back of the administration building attract large numbers of birds during the winter months. Restrooms; handicap accessible; paved, grass and woodchip trails, including a half-mile handicap accessible loop.
From Route 2, exit Route 250 north. Turn right on East Perkins Avenue. Osborn Park in located nearly four miles on the right.

RESTHAVEN WILDLIFE AREA
Castalia · 419 684-5049 (ask for Wildlife Management Division)
Open dawn to dusk, year-round. Managed by Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife.
The unique feature here is a large remnant prairie. Many foot trails allow the visitor to explore diverse habitats of this wildlife area, totaling more than 2,000 acres. Indigo buntings, woodcock, and ring-necked pheasant favor this area. Handicap fishing pier.
From Route 6, take 269 toward Castalia. Resthaven is located approximately three miles to the right.

SANDUSKY HARBOR
Sandusky
A large herring gull breeding colony in and around Sandusky makes this species readily visible, as are large rafts of waterfowl, egrets, and night herons. Handicap accessible, parking at pier and dock area.
From Route 6, turn north on Jackson Street. Follow to the Jackson Street Pier.

SANDY RIDGE RESERVATION
North Ridgeville · 440 458-5121 
Open 8 a.m. to dusk, year-round. Visitors center open on limited basis. Call for reservations. Managed by Lorain County Metro Parks.
Three distinct habitats include fields, woodlands, and restored marsh. This newly acquired reservation has more than 300 acres. Visitors center restrooms, drinking fountains, handicap accessible, paved and boardwalk trails, observation mound, full-time staff, park checklist available.

SCHEDEL ARBORETUM AND GARDEN
Elmore · 419 862-3182 
Ornate Japanese gardens, with dozens of rare species, anchor this unique site. Seventeen acres of rose gardens, water gardens, perennial gardens, and 20,000 annuals is surrounded by acres of woodlands and the Portage River. Self-guided tours daily. Restrooms, full-time staff, admission charges, tours of mansion available.
One mile off Ohio Turnpike at Exit 81 on S. Portage Rd. in Elmore.

SCHOEPFLE ARBORETUM & GARDENS
11106 Market St. (off Route 113), Birmingham · 440 965-7237 
Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Visitors center open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Weds - Sun.
70 acres of botanical gardens and natural woodland bordered on one side by the Vermilion River. Gift shop, audio tours, meeting room.

SOUTH BASS ISLAND (PUT-IN-BAY)
800 441-1271 
Wetlands, bays, cliffs, lake waters, fields, thick woods, and wooded residential areas provide the background for spectacular birding. Hot spots include Terwilliger's Pond, Fishery Bay, Oak Point, and Peach Point.
Ferryboat transportation provided by the Jet Express from Jackson Street Pier in Sandusky or from Route 163 in Port Clinton, or by Miller Boat Line off Route 53 in Catawba.

VERMILION RIVER RESERVATION
Vermilion · 440-458-5121 
Open 8am to dusk, year-round. Visitor center open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily. Managed by Lorain Metro Parks.
Shale cliffs frame the beauty of this nature park. Birders find an amazing variety of species all seasons. Restrooms; visitors center; drinking fountains; conference area; two miles of crushed stone, natural, and boardwalk trails, most are handicap accessible.
From Route 2, exit Sunnyside/Vermilion Road. Turn left on Vermilion Road and follow two miles to park.

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