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DATE |
EVENT/PARK |
DETAILS |
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Mar. 25
9-11 AM |
Waterfowl on the Move, Mary Jane Thurston |
Meet at the day lodge for this inaugural walk of the Mary Jane Thurston Audubon Bird Walkers. Bring binoculars or spotting scopes. Additional walks will be held weekly through May. (419) 832-7662. |
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Apr. 15
8:00 PM |
Spring Woodcock Walk, Maumee Bay |
At the Nature Center. Come walk through the meadow to witness the woodcock's amazing spring courtship flight. Remember to dress warm. For more information, call (419) 836-9117 |
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Apr. 22
10 AM-Noon |
Waterfowl Splash, Mary Jane Thurston |
At the day lodge. Bring field scopes or binoculars for a morning of migratory bird watching. For info call (419) 832-7662. |
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Apr. 22
1-4 PM |
Birds and Buds, Van Buren |
Look down and up to see the kaleidoscope of spring colors. Migratory birds and wildflowers will be featured. For info call (419) 832-7662. |
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Apr. 26
7-9 PM |
Rail/Snipe Walk
Irwin Prairie |
The Wednesday, April 26 program begins at 7 p.m. at the Secor Metropark’s Center for Photography building for an adult bird study. Participants will then proceed to Irwin Prairie State Nature Preserve for an evening trek through the preserve. Call (419) 407-9701 for reservations. |
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Apr. 29
8 AM and 10:30 AM |
Bird Hikes
Sheldon Marsh |
Well-known for its migratory birds, Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve will host two birdwatching hikes on Saturday, April 29 at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Bring your binoculars so you won’t miss the colorful neotropical warblers, shorebirds and many waterfowl to be found there. For more information about this Erie County event, call (419) 433-4919. |
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May 6
8 AM
10 AM
Noon |
Best of Birds
and Blooms
Eagle Creek |
Whether you love the colors of spring wildflowers or spotting birds in flight, you’ll have your choice of outdoor fun at Eagle Creek State Nature Preserve. Join an early morning bird hike at 8 a.m. or try one of the two wildflower hikes at 10 a.m. and noon. For more information, call (330) 527-5118. |
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May 12-14 |
International Migratory Bird Weekend, Hocking Hills |
Join with several area naturalist and birders along the Hocking Valley Birding Trail route for a variety of programs, hikes and events to celebrate the return of our avian friends. For info call (740) 385-6841 or www.birdhocking.com. |
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May 13
9 AM-Noon |
Migration Bird Walk, Lake Hope |
At the Hope Furnace parking lot. Enjoy a leisurely hike to greet our colorful spring migrants. Some binoculars will be provided. For info call (740) 596-5253. |
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May 13
8 AM-4 PM |
International Migratory Bird Day, Maumee Bay |
The nature center will host bird banding demonstrations, guided hikes and slide shows. For info call (419) 836-9117. |
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May 13
8-10 PM |
Whippoorwill Walk, Shawnee |
At the park office. Bring a flashlight for an excursion into the night to listen for the haunting melodies of the whippoorwill. For info call (740) 858-6652. |
|
May 14-20 |
Nest with the Birds, Kelleys Island |
Catch the spring warbler migration, attend guided bird walks and hike the park trails. For info call 419-746-2546 or information@kelleysislandnature.com. |
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May 21
10 AM4 PM |
Bluebird Sunday, Malabar Farm |
Learn how to attract this beautiful songbird to your area. For info call (419) 892-2784. |
 Warmer weather means the return of feathered friends
more birding info
Spring is an exciting time of the year for avian enthusiasts as a variety of migrant songbirds begin winging their way to backyard feeders. In fact, bird fanciers may already be seeing some of their perennial favorites, such as Baltimore orioles, and an assortment of warblers and finches.
That’s because migrating neotropical songbirds those that spend the winter in Central and South America are returning to Ohio where they will nest and raise their young. But this mass migration of songbirds often goes unnoticed since these neotropicals migrate at night when most of their predators, such as hawks, are sleeping.
As Ohio’s weather continues to warm, be on the lookout for yellow-rumped warblers, hermit thrushes, black-throated green warblers, ruby-crowned kinglets, and chimney swifts. The return of the ruby-throated hummingbird is also highly anticipated. This incredibly small bird, weighing less than an ounce, beats its wings an average of 53 times per second in flight.
May is the peak month for the flood of returning neotropical migrants. Some of the best birding opportunities occur along Lake Erie’s coast and wetlands where these tiny travelers stop briefly to feed and rest. Magee Marsh Wildlife Area in Lucas and Ottawa counties is considered one of the top birding spots in the country.
Along with Magee Marsh, neighboring Crane Creek State Park and Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve in Erie County offer large concentrations of warblers and other colorful songbirds. Sheldon Marsh alone is known to attract nearly 300 bird species. Observe magnificent bald eagles, herons and waterfowl at all these coastal locations.
 Bird watching provides a low-cost, enjoyable outdoor experience. While songbirds can be seen in nearby community parks and woodlands, Ohio’s state parks, state nature preserves and state forests provide some of the best viewing opportunities. Designated Watchable Wildlife Sites also are great places to go birding.
To receive a free Field Checklist for Birds of Ohio, you can call ODNR at 1-800-WILDLIFE. A complete list of Ohio’s Watchable Wildlife Sites can be viewed online here.
 Other outstanding birding sites along Lake Erie include:
Birders also should consider visiting:
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