The Binocular Site
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Ohio
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area is comprised of 2,000 acres on the southern shore of Lake Erie, just east of Toledo, Ohio. This part of Lake Erie's shoreline is a series of wetlands formed by retreating glaciers, and provides shelter to over 300 species of birds.
Thousands of Canadian and other migratory geese spend winters in Magee Marsh. The swamps and marshes are also essential resting points for birds traveling north in the spring. Large flocks of migrating tundra swans arrive in late March, staying through April. It is not uncommon for birdwatchers to spot over 100 species of birds in a single day.
Four trails offer optimal birding. The Magee Marsh Bird Trail, also known as the Boardwalk, is the most popular, and is well known among birders as one of the best places in the country to observe migratory birds. It covers over one and a half miles of marshland, small ponds, and woodlots. This walkway takes you over a rich, natural habitat filled with waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds.
The Bird Center is open year-round, and provides visitors with a map and checklist to keep track of bird sightings. Birders can also pick up the Lake Erie Wing Watch birding guide at the Center. A 40-foot observation tower also offers a fantastic view of the area, and possibly an opportunity to see one of Magee Marsh's most distinguished residents, the bald eagle.
The state bird of Ohio is the Northern Cardinal and you can find a checklist for birding in Ohio here.
Photo credit to benimoto, used with permission under the creative commons license. You can learn more about the birding and wildlife observing opportunities available in the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area here.If you've visited Magee Marsh for birdwatching, please take the time to share your experience and any tips or insight you have about this Ohio bird watching location below.
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