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1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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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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.
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.
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 8am 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.
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 8am-3pm. 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.
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 8am 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.
From Route 2 or 6, take Route 269 into Castalia.
Castalia Quarry
Reserve
Castalia · 419-625-7783
Open 8am 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.
The Coupling
Reserve
11618 Route 13, Milan Township · 419-625-7793
Open 8am 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.
Dupont Marsh and Huron River Greenway
Huron · 419-25-7783
Open 8am 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 8am 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.
Findley State
Park
25381 Route 58, Wellington · 440-647-4490
Open 6am to 11pm, 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 8am 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 8am 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 8am 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, click
here
and
here for a map.
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
1-800-441-1271
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
Hiking trails are open 8am to 5pm, daily. The visitors
center is open Wednesday through Sunday, 1 to 5 pm
(closed weekends January through March). 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 7am 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 8am 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 8am to 5pm, daily. Visitors center open 10am to
5pm, 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)
1-800-441-1271
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 8am to 4:30pm,
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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