This May, Thousands Of Tropical Songbirds Are Returning To Cleveland From Central And South America
By Nikki Rhoades|Published April 21, 2020
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Each year, Greater Cleveland comes to life as spring transitions into summer. The landscape grows greener, colorful and aromatic flora burst from the earth, and birdsong once again fills the air. We almost take this season for granted… but as it turns out, it’s the perfect time of year to take a moment to appreciate the art of birding in Ohio. Lake Erie’s southern shore attracts thousands of migratory songbirds each May, and its forests and parks are about to be incredible and lively once again. Dust off your old binoculars, because you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled this May.
April showers may bring May flowers, but they also set the scene for thousands of tropical songbirds to return to Ohio.
Each May, thousands and thousands of songbirds leave the tropics of South and Central America and head toward the United States. Fortunately for locals, many of these colorful little birds stop in Cleveland during their annual migration.
May is considered by many to be the prime time for birdwatching, as this month is sure to mark the arrival of thousands of neotropical songbirds like orioles and warblers.
Some of these critters are just passing through Ohio on their way to better nesting spots, but many stay in the area until the next migration takes them back down south in the fall.
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So what is it that drives these fascinating birds, like the blue-winged warbler, to migrate each year?
Birds are highly sensitive to changes in daylight, and longer days trigger hormonal changes in them. They then set out in search of two things: food and excellent nesting spots.
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Fortunately for locals, the shores of Lake Erie have excellent sources of food for migrating birds, so local forests are about to spring to life with color.
Many in the birding community consider Northwest Ohio to a world-class birding destination. You may spot birds like indigo buntings all along the southern shore of Lake Erie, and possibly even in your own backyard.
Lake View Cemetery is a magnificent spot for birding. Its landscape consists of nearly 300 acres, and much of this space is forest. Nearly 200 species of birds have been identified in and around the cemetery, including rarities like the red phalarope, a water-loving bird that usually isn't spotted in Ohio.
Wendy Park, just outside of Downtown Cleveland, is another excellent spot for birding.
Wendy Park is tiny at only 25 acres, but it hides one big surprise each spring. Some 260 species of birds have been identified in this modest park, and on a good day, its trees are alight with the sweet sound of birdsong.
Venturing outside of the immediate Greater Cleveland area is rewarding, too, as locations all along Lake Erie will soon be indescribably lively.
Headlands Beach State Park and Headland Dunes State Nature Preserve are excellent birding areas. These pretty neighboring landscapes in Mentor attract a wide variety of songbirds. Birders have spotted over 300 species here!
However, the gem of Ohio birding is Magee Marsh Wildlife Area.
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area is renowned in the world of birding as a must-see destination. Thousands of birds stop here before crossing Lake Erie to visit their northern breeding grounds. The second week of May is the most magnificent in terms of numbers, typically, but the last two weeks of the month tend to draw in some diverse visitors. Around 350 species have been spotted here.
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Whether you make it to a world-renowned birding site this year or just relax in your own backyard with a pair of binoculars, keeping your eyes peeled during the month of May is oh so rewarding.
The most magical time to go birding in Ohio is, without a doubt, the month of May. Northern Ohio, including parts of Greater Cleveland, is one of the most celebrated places in the world of birdwatching… so we might as well take advantage of this incredible spring fever, right?!
Have you ever spotted any unique birds in the area? Tell us about it! If you want to start planning your own birding adventure this May, check out our article on Magee Marsh for some additional inspiration.
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