Guided walks around our local area parks and preserves give a chance to get to know one another, study birds in their natural habitat, get a better understanding of seasonal distribution and enjoying our Firelands area. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded in this part of the state and there is always the exciting possibility of adding to that list!
Join us at any of our open to the public walks. Just bring your binoculars and have fun.
Augusta-Anne Olsen State Nature Preserve
(Huron County) - Bird Hike
June 23, 7:00pm
4934 W River Road Wakeman, OH 44889
Meet at parking lot.
Augusta-Anne Olsen State Nature Preserve in right on the Vermilion River Gorge, with grassland through the center and a steep drop to the river along the edges. For the last few years, Prairie Warblers have spent the summer in the middle section, and we should have a good chance to hear and possibly see them. Blue-winged Warblers, Cerulean Warblers, and Eastern Towhees may also be found here.
Accessibility: For our walk we will stick to the center trails, which are wide, made of grass and dirt, with moderate hills. There are no restrooms. The walk is about 1.1 mi.
eBird hotspot: Augsuta-Anne Olsen State Nature Preserve
Ohio DNR official website (includes map): Augusta-Anne Olsen State Nature Preserve
Prairie Warbler
Common Tern
Huron impoundment
(Erie County) - Bird Hike
August 28, 7:00pm
30 Main St, Huron, OH 44839 (pier)
Meet at parking lot.
At the end of Main St. in Huron is the pier, and at the end of the pier there is a semicircular sheltered area that is one of the hottest birding spots in the area in late summer. There can also be great birds all along the pier and beach, and depending on conditions even more at the impoundment, including gulls, terns, and shorebirds.
Accessiblity: To get there, you need to hike to the end of the pier (which is paved) as well as walking out over the rocks, which are comfortably wide, but it's not an even surface, so sturdy, stable shoes are a must. There are plenty of benches on the pier, and you only need to go as far as you are comfortable. There is a portable toilet at the pier.
eBird hotspot: Huron Harbor--Impoundment
Ohio DNR official website: Huron Harbor West Pier
Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area
(Sandusky County) - Bird Hike
August 25, 7:00pm
US Route 6, Vickery, OH
Meet at the observation deck at Donald Thompson Wetland, on US Route 6, 0.8 miles east of Pearson Rd (256)
Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area includes over 3,000 acres, mostly managed wetlands, in Sandusky County (just west of Erie County). In recent years it has hosted rare ducks, herons, shorebirds, and more. We will meet at the observation platform to start and make a decision about where else to go depending on conditions at the time.
Accessiblity: The observation platform has steps. (We hope to have scopes available to share!) Other parts of the wildlife area are usually accessed on foot, with wide grassy paths, flat but the grass is often overgrown: protection from ticks is essential! Parts of Pearson Rd can also be birded by car. There are no restrooms.
eBird hotspot group: Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area
Ohio DNR official website: Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area
