Friday, February 7, 2025

Hike, bike and paddle among the birds, blooms and butterflies

Bird Week:

It’s the Biggest Week in American Birding (May 8th -17th) and our region’s incredible natural areas and waterways makes it a major hot spot for bird migration, providing the perfect habitat for orioles, flycatchers, warblers, tanagers and more. 

Magee Marsh and the Black Swamp Bird Observatory are the ultimate bird watchers venues,  with over 10,000 visitors flocking to the hot-spots for  bird week and the hosted hikes, bus tours and workshops.

13229 W State RT 2, Oak Harbor. friendsofmageemarsh.org biggestweekinamericanbirding.com 

The fabulous and extensive Ohio Lake Erie Birding Trail is a great place to avoid crowds and seek new vantage points.  Along the lake’s coastline, which stretches over 300 miles, there are plenty of opportunities to explore, off the beaten path.

Get more information on what the trials offer by visiting and downloading maps at lakeeriebirding.ohiodnr.gov. 

Cullen Park’s (4500 N Summit St, Toledo) water-surrounded causeway is one of my favorite places to watch the migrating birds,  with a rugged, mile-long path lined with trees and opening up on both sides to small beaches, offering Maumee Bay and Lake Erie views and bird sightings. They are hosting a guided tour from 10-11:30am, on Saturday, May 9. 

The Northwest Ohio River Runners will hit the water for two kayak bird watching excursions launching from Cullen Park and paddling out to Grassy Island, 11:30am-1:30pm on Sunday, May 10  and from 4-6pm on Sunday, May 16. Registration and waivers required.

Visit nworr.org for info.

Bay View Park (4120 N Summit St, Toledo) will offer a guided walk from 6-7pm on Thursday, May 14.  

Blue Week (May 12th -17th) celebrates the amazing natural havens in our Oak Openings region by highlighting the springtime bounty of migrating birds, karner blue butterflies and blooming wildflowers, especially blue lupines. To help visitors fully appreciate and learn about these sites, The Metroparks offer guided tours. Join the Oak Openings Metropark’s Blue Bird Hike (9-11am, Saturday, May 16. Buehner Center Parking lot) to discover eastern bluebirds, blue grosbeaks and more.

Wander within the rich ecosystem of Kitty Todd Nature Preserve (Noon-1:30pm, Saturday, May 16. 10420 Old State Line Rd., Swanton) with an Ohio lepidopterist (butterfly expert) to spot amazing butterflies, such as karner blues, dusted elfins and fritillaries.

Bird Week:

It’s the Biggest Week in American Birding (May 8th -17th) and our region’s incredible natural areas and waterways makes it a major hot spot for bird migration, providing the perfect habitat for orioles, flycatchers, warblers, tanagers and more. 

Magee Marsh and the Black Swamp Bird Observatory are the ultimate bird watchers venues,  with over 10,000 visitors flocking to the hot-spots for  bird week and the hosted hikes, bus tours and workshops.

13229 W State RT 2, Oak Harbor. friendsofmageemarsh.org biggestweekinamericanbirding.com 

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The fabulous and extensive Ohio Lake Erie Birding Trail is a great place to avoid crowds and seek new vantage points.  Along the lake’s coastline, which stretches over 300 miles, there are plenty of opportunities to explore, off the beaten path.

Get more information on what the trials offer by visiting and downloading maps at lakeeriebirding.ohiodnr.gov. 

Cullen Park’s (4500 N Summit St, Toledo) water-surrounded causeway is one of my favorite places to watch the migrating birds,  with a rugged, mile-long path lined with trees and opening up on both sides to small beaches, offering Maumee Bay and Lake Erie views and bird sightings. They are hosting a guided tour from 10-11:30am, on Saturday, May 9. 

The Northwest Ohio River Runners will hit the water for two kayak bird watching excursions launching from Cullen Park and paddling out to Grassy Island, 11:30am-1:30pm on Sunday, May 10  and from 4-6pm on Sunday, May 16. Registration and waivers required.

Visit nworr.org for info.

Bay View Park (4120 N Summit St, Toledo) will offer a guided walk from 6-7pm on Thursday, May 14.  

Blue Week (May 12th -17th) celebrates the amazing natural havens in our Oak Openings region by highlighting the springtime bounty of migrating birds, karner blue butterflies and blooming wildflowers, especially blue lupines. To help visitors fully appreciate and learn about these sites, The Metroparks offer guided tours. Join the Oak Openings Metropark’s Blue Bird Hike (9-11am, Saturday, May 16. Buehner Center Parking lot) to discover eastern bluebirds, blue grosbeaks and more.

Wander within the rich ecosystem of Kitty Todd Nature Preserve (Noon-1:30pm, Saturday, May 16. 10420 Old State Line Rd., Swanton) with an Ohio lepidopterist (butterfly expert) to spot amazing butterflies, such as karner blues, dusted elfins and fritillaries.

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