Did you know that Ohio welcomes thousands of tropical forest songbirds every year? Unless you’re a bird-watcher or nature enthusiast, you likely didn’t. Here in the Buckeye State, thousands of rare songbirds migrate to northwest Ohio throughout the month of May each year—adding a little color, whimsy and song to our landscape. It’s a beautiful natural phenomenon that you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for.

Please note: Magee Marsh State Wildlife Area is currently closed due to COVID-19 and large crowds during the spring season, according to the Ohio Division of Wildlife. 

With the arrival of May, millions of migratory songbirds from Central and South America will make their way to the Buckeye State.
Ohio Division of Wildlife/Facebook
Ohio’s Lake Erie shoreline is the best place to spot these graceful creatures.
Two of the most popular places in Ohio to observe these tiny, colorful friends are Magee Marsh State Wildlife Area and Kitty Todd Nature Preserve (pictured).
Marcia Brehmer/AllTrails
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area (not pictured) is arguably the state's top bird-watching spot—featuring more than 300 species of birds. You can find this peaceful refuge along western Lake Erie, between Toledo and Port Clinton.

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Colorful buntings and warblers breed in the wet prairies of northwest Ohio before migrating back in the fall.
Ohio Nature Conservancy/Facebook
To stay up to date on nature preserve hours, regulations and conditions, follow the Ohio Division of Wildlife and the Ohio Nature Conservancy on Facebook.
Some of these beautiful birds have even been known to nest in southern Ohio, such as the Cerulean Warbler and Northern Parula at The Edge of Appalachia Preserve (pictured).
Peter Chamness/AllTrails
Pictured is a view along the Joan Jones Portman Trail, which is perfect for a secluded hike and bird-watching.
It won't be long before these beautiful creatures pass through our state, so be on the lookout and plan a secluded hike or two in one of our nature preserves.
Ohio Nature Conservancy/Facebook

Have you ever greeted these beautiful birds in Ohio along their migration? Share your thoughts, photos and experiences with us!

For more beautiful creatures to look out for this spring, check out our previous article: Keep Your Eyes Peeled, Thousands Of Hummingbirds Are Headed Right For Ohio During Their Migration This Spring.

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Featured Addresses
Ohio, USA
Kitty Todd Nature Preserve, 10420 Old State Line Rd, Swanton, OH 43558, USA
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, OH-2, Oak Harbor, OH 43449, USA
Richard and Lucile Durrell Edge of Appalachia Preserve System, 4274 Waggoner Riffle Rd, West Union, OH 45693, USA