When people think of birding destinations, Lake County probably isn’t the first spot that pops into anyone’s mind. It is, however, one of the best locations in the entire state of Ohio for spring migration with 346 species observed as of this writing. It’s easy to see why; a number of great preserves and parks serve as attractive stopovers for migratory species to rest and refuel before continuing their journey over Lake Erie towards their Canadian breeding grounds.
Having birded for about a decade now, I can hardly remember what birds I used to think of as the main migrants passing through Ohio. Were they American Robins…or Eastern Bluebirds? Now I know there is an incredible diversity of birds that migrate through including flycatchers, sparrows, grosbeaks, buntings, and woodpeckers. I’m still amazed at the mind-boggling passage that the birds that pour through Ohio in late-April through May make from as far as South America. Among the most stunning, and my favorite, are “wood warblers” of the family Parulidae. I remember seeing my very first Magnolia Warbler and wondering how I had failed to notice this beautiful bird for 20 years.
On a good day, you can spot up to two dozen species of warblers at places like the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve, Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve, or on the Zimmerman Trail by Shipman’s Pond.
With prevailing south winds, you can watch morning flights of northern flickers, huge flocks of blackbirds, swallows, and orioles…and, if you’re lucky, you’ll also spot Sandhill Cranes and American White Pelicans.
The birding treasure of Lake County happens to also be one of the largest habitat restoration projects in the state – the Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve. Managed by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the preserve occupies 691-acres of wetland and adjacent forest habitat. It supports many migratory bird species during their migration and provides excellent breeding habitat for wetland-dependent native species including Least Bittern, Virginia Rail, Sora, and American Bittern.
A great place to see these secretive marsh birds is on the Wake Robin boardwalk which leads right into the middle of the marsh. This hotspot has produced some incredible rarities such as the reclusive Yellow Rail. Another great vantage point is the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve and Marina. From the parking lot, you are sure to hear the colony of Purple Martins, which nest in cavity gourds managed the City of Mentor. They are one of my favorite species of migrants, not only because I get to band them, but because they travel thousands of miles from the Amazon basin (think jaguars and toucans) to breed here!
This location has also produced some great birds over the years such as the state’s first record of Tropical Kingbird and a rare wading bird, the Little Blue Heron. The upland forest within the Lagoons can be loaded with warblers, flycatchers, vireos, and sparrows.
Lake County will continue to produce rare birds, especially as word related to the diversity of species and birding hotspots within northeast Ohio continues to spread. And, all are welcome. We’re proud to showcase our natural spaces and our community. We’re easy to get to and those heading into town will be surprised at the number of nearby amenities including shopping, dining, lodging, and local attractions.