The Great Backyard Bird Count 2021
The annual Great Backyard Bird Count is set to take place February 12–15, 2021.
Those individuals who want to participate are asked to count birds for at least 15 minutes for one or more days during February 12-15, 2021. Then report their sightings online at birdcount.org.
Having fun with birding.
If you are new to birding or you have recently added bird feeders to your backyard, I would suggest your purchase your Birds of Ohio Field Guide, by Stan Tekiela. This is a great paperback book to have when trying to identify Ohio birds. The birds are arranged by color. I would also suggest you take along a good pair of binoculars when birding.
Here are a few other guides that you may find worth adding to your collection, including a guide for kids.
American Birding Association Field Guide to Birds of Ohio
(American Birding Association State Field) by Scott & Nix, Inc.
National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds: Eastern Region,
Revised Edition by Knopf
The Kids’ Guide to Birds of Ohio: Fun Facts, Activities and 86 Cool Birds
(Birding Children’s Books) by Adventure Publications
List of our favorite resource websites:
Birding in Ohio
The website provides descriptions and maps of eBird Hotspots in Ohio.
OHIO BIRDING EVENTS
The Biggest Week in American Birding
Dates: May 7-16, 2021
Location: Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center
1750 State Park Road #2, Oregon, OH
BIRD IN THE HAND
Date: January 2 – February 28, 2021
Time: Saturdays & Sundays, 12-4 pm and
Presidents’ Day – February 15
Location: Beech Creek Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve
11929 Beech St NE, Alliance, Ohio 44601
General admission is $6, members and ages 2 and younger receive free admission.
Bundle up, get outside, and enjoy exploring and connecting with nature during Cool Adventures at Beech Creek Gardens! Easily practice social distancing with a variety of fun and unique outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy! Experience the thrill of hand-feeding wild chickadees at Bird in Hand and also see lots of cool critters up close inside the Amazing Garden Plant Science Center. Enjoy the fresh winter air as you search for scavenger hunt clues on the woodland trails and have fun playing on the 2-acre nature playground (weather permitting). Roast marshmallows and enjoy complimentary hot cocoa at a warm outdoor fire. Engage with nature through several fun and educational activities, like building a whimsical tree slice tower and other interactive exhibits! Plus, our on-site wildlife partner, Raptor Hallow Sanctuary, will display a live owl or hawk for visitors to see up-close! Come experience safe outdoor family fun all season long at Beech Creek Gardens! January 2, 2021 through February 28, 2021, Saturdays and Sundays from 12-4 pm (and also on MLK Jr. Day & Presidents’ Day) at Beech Creek Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve in Alliance. General admission is $6 per person. Advanced tickets are not required for this event. Purchase tickets upon arrival at the event at the Visitor Center. Beech Creek members and children ages 2 and younger receive free admission. For more information, visit beechcreekgardens.org.
GREAT PLACES AROUND OHIO TO LEARN ABOUT AND ENJOY BIRDING:
Black Swamp Bird Observatory
13551 West, OH-2, Oak Harbor, OH 43449
419.898.4070
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
(Great Blue Heron Viewing Area)
3801 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, OH 44264
Geauga Park District is offers birding programs.
For a list of birding events click here.
Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve
9601 Headlands Road, Mentor, OH 44060
Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area
1691 Centerville Rd., Shreve, OH 44676
330.567.3390
Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area
19100 Co Hwy 115, Harpster, OH 43323
740.496.2254
Lake Metroparks
Birding areas include: Chagrin River Park, Girdled Road Reservation and Hello Hollow Wilderness Area.
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area
Oak Harbor, OH 43449
419.898.0960
Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve
5185 Corduroy Road, Mentor, OH 44060
Ohio Bird Sanctuary
3774 Orweiler Rd, Mansfield, OH 44903
419-884-4295
The Edge of Appalachia Preserve
3223 Waggoner Riffle Rd., West Union, OH 45693
937-544-2188
The Wilds
14000 International Rd., Cumberland, OH 43732
740-638-5030
Snowy Owl’s can often be spotted just off the shores of Lake Erie during the winter months. A great location is between the East 9th Street Pier and Cleveland Metroparks Wendy Park. Dress warm as the wind off the Lake can get very cold. January is the best month to grab a glimpse.
This past summer I was fortunate to capture two barred owls perching above my patio. Owls have always been one of my favorite birds to try and locate on hikes. They are also fun to watch.
Article and photos by: D. Rock, MyOhioFun.com
Editor’s note: Any use of the above article or images without prior permission, will be in violation of copyright laws.
***Disclosure: My Ohio Fun does not receive compensation from the any of the above listings. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***
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