Where to Go Birding in Northeast Ohio
Ashtabula County is perfect for bird watching, with nearly 300 species recorded. We share our tips for new birders and top picks for seasonal birding locations.
Ashtabula County is perfect for bird watching, with nearly 300 species recorded. We share our tips for new birders and top picks for seasonal birding locations.
Around 425 species of birds have been seen in Ohio to date — that’s more than any nearby state with the exception of our neighbor to the north. According to eBird.com, nearly 300 species have been recorded in Ashtabula County, which boasts an impressive assortment of habitat and access points for bird watchers. Get out there and mark off your bird list by visiting these great sites throughout the year!
Birding Destination: Conneaut Harbor, Conneaut Port Authority
Address: 1201 Broad St., Conneaut
Contact: 440-593-1300
At a Glance: Public access, year-round, no entrance fee.
Amenities: Walking trails, observation platform, restrooms, visitors center
Birding Destination: Walnut Beach Park, City of Ashtabula
Address: 1645 Walnut Blvd., Ashtabula
Contact: 440-992-7103
At a Glance: Public access, year-round, no entrance fee.
Amenities: Walking trails, observation platform, restrooms, picnic area/concessions (seasonally), playground, handicap-accessible boardwalk and seating area
Birding Destination: North Kingsville Sand Barrens, Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Address: Poore Rd., Conneaut
Contact: 216-231-4600
At a Glance: Public access, year-round, no entrance fee.
Amenities: Hiking trails, no restrooms, limited parking
Birding Destination: Pymatuning Lake State Park, Ohio Department of Natural Resources Campground, Beaver Dam Trail, or Whispering Pines Trail
Address: 6100 Pymatuning Lake Rd., Andover
Contact: 440-293-6030
At a Glance: Public access, year-round, no entrance fee.
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic area, dedicated parking, Beaver Dam trail allows for cross-country skiing (a great way to see the birds amongst the deep snow)
Just getting started on your birding journey? Bring a good set of binoculars and a field guide and follow this advice:
The bird might fly away but the book or the app on your phone isn’t going anywhere. Look at the bird as long as you can.
Field marks are the distinctive stripes, spots, patterns, colors, and highlights that birds have on their heads, wings, tails, etc.
How big is it compared to a baseball or a ping-pong ball?
What’s its shape?
Is it round or egg-shaped?
Does it appear to be sitting upright or more forward?
Is its beak short and stout or long and pointy?
How’s it behaving? Is it hopping around on the ground tugging worms from the soil or is it clinging to the trunk of a tree and striking at the bark?
ODNR is committed to facilitating outdoor experiences for people of all abilities. Find a list of accessible fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing areas throughout the state at wildohio.gov or call 1-800-WILDLIFE to be connected with your nearest district office.