COLUMBUS, Ohio – As winter settles in across Ohio, a variety of interesting and rare bird species arrive in the state, offering birdwatchers a fantastic opportunity to spot these unique visitors. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife encourages residents and birding enthusiasts to explore the state’s wildlife areas, nature preserves, and parks, which remain open year-round and offer prime locations to view winter birds.
While some of Ohio’s resident birds, like cardinals and woodpeckers, stay throughout the colder months, other species migrate to Ohio, making winter an exciting time for birding. Notable species that are common during this season include dark-eyed juncos, short-eared owls, pine siskins, and purple finches.
Dark-eyed Juncos: Snowbirds of Ohio
Often called “snowbirds,” dark-eyed juncos are a quintessential winter bird in Ohio. These small, ground-foraging birds are easy to attract to backyards by scattering seeds on the ground. Their distinctive white outer tail feathers, which flash when they fly, make them easy to identify. The Ohio Division of Wildlife reminds birdwatchers that juncos are found throughout the state during winter, especially in natural habitats with ample food and shelter.
For more information on dark-eyed juncos and exceptional photographs of the species, check out the next edition of Wild Ohio Magazine – subscribers who sign up by January 7, 2025, will receive the latest issue.
Bald Eagles in Ohio
Winter is also the time to spot bald eagles in Ohio. As the state’s largest birds of prey, bald eagles are easily visible, particularly in areas with large bodies of water. Ohio is home to an estimated 841 eagle nests, and the birds are often found along the shores of Lake Erie, where they can hunt for fish and carrion. Visitors to Magee Marsh, Pickerel Creek, and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuges in northern Ohio can find excellent eagle-viewing opportunities.
Bald eagles also nest in large trees like sycamores, oaks, and cottonwoods and begin their courtship rituals in January. Frozen lakes and rivers force the eagles to search for food across a wider area, making it an ideal time to spot them in flight.
Owls and Other Winter Birds
Ohio’s woodlands host several owl species, many of which become more vocal during winter as they establish territories and find mates. Barred owls, great horned owls, and eastern screech-owls can be seen in the forests of Woodland Trails Wildlife Area, Woodbury Wildlife Area, and West Branch State Park.
For those who want to see short-eared owls, which are present in Ohio only during the winter months, head to large grasslands at places like Killdeer Plains and Crown City Wildlife Areas. These owls are known for their deep, slow wingbeats and are most active at dawn and dusk.
Waterfowl Watching
Winter is also a great time to view migratory waterfowl in Ohio. Cold temperatures and freezing lakes drive many species southward, but Ohio remains a crucial stopover. Tundra swans, often accompanied by trumpeter swans, can be found in open marshes and lakes, particularly in areas like Deer Creek Wildlife Area and Funk Bottoms Wildlife Area.
Diving ducks such as redheads, canvasbacks, and common goldeneyes seek out open water, with Alum Creek State Park and Buckeye Lake State Park offering prime viewing spots. Swans and other waterfowl can also be spotted at Killdeer Plains and Magee Marsh.
Winter is also a great time to see geese that are not typically found in Ohio year-round. Snow, Ross’s, cackling, and greater white-fronted geese are often spotted alongside Canada geese in wetlands and open fields. These geese are usually smaller than Canada geese and are best viewed at locations like Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area and East Fork State Park.
Tips for Birdwatching in Winter
When birdwatching during the winter, it’s important to observe from a distance to avoid disturbing wildlife, especially since food resources are scarce in the cold months. A good pair of binoculars or a spotting scope is recommended to help identify birds from afar.
Birdwatchers can also participate in community science efforts such as the annual Christmas Bird Count, a project that contributes valuable data to global avian research. Visit audubon.org to find local bird count events and learn how your observations can help.
For those looking to further enhance their birdwatching experience, the Common Birds of Ohio field guidebook and Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird app are excellent resources. By contributing to eBird, birders can assist in tracking bird populations across Ohio and beyond.
This winter, Ohio offers plenty of opportunities to discover its diverse birdlife, from iconic species like bald eagles to rare winter visitors like tundra swans and short-eared owls. So bundle up and head outside to enjoy the beauty of winter birding in the Buckeye State.
