This weather is for the birds! Literally!

The month of November has blown in with gusto!  Often times when the weather is not great for us, it can be a great opportunity for bird watching...the winds can drive birds inland and right into view.

Lorain County is a fabulous birding destination. With more than a dozen birding locations in the Huron & Lorain Loop of the Lake Erie Birding Trail you will find a plethora of options to see various species of birds. So bundle up and grab your binoculars and camera and step out into nature!

We visited a couple areas on the Lake Erie Birding Trail this week and, WOW, the color in our fall foliage is a tremendous backdrop for bird watching.

Inland at Lorain County Metro Park's Sandy Ridge Reservation in North Ridgeville birders marveled at the majestic Bald Eagles. The area attracts about 250 species through out the year. The wetlands at Sandy Ridge provide a safe haven for shorebirds in the fall and the beautiful wooded areas draw songbirds during fall migration.





Our fall foliage is peaking and our birding along Lake Erie is as well. November through early January, or whenever Lake Erie freezes, marks prime time for birds to flock to the Lorain Harbor. See flocks of gulls, from the common to the rare seeking shelter.                

Just east of the beautifully renovated Mile Long Pier overlooking the harbor is a perfect spot to enjoy songbirds in migration. A newly constructed platform extends out over the water for optimal viewing.



We have given you a glimpse at birding in north central Ohio, now it's up to you to get out there and step into nature. And when you need to warm up, stop in at Jackalope Lakeside for a bite to eat, located at the base of the Mile Long Pier. Or select from a number of dining options around Lorain County. And since you can't complete the birding loop and take in our picturesque fall foliage in just one day, you can cozy up in one of our B&B's or a nice hotel room. If you would like assistance in planning a bird watching adventure don't hesitate to call us at 1.800.334.1673.

Spring ahead into a birding adventure

Baltimore Oriole Photo: Tim Fairweather, LCMP 

Birds migrate to Lorain County's lakeside marshes and woodland areas each spring...because they know it's a great place to visit!

As highlighted in the Lake Erie Birding Trail, you will discover different birds at an array of birding spots throughout the county.

Sandy Ridge Reservation in North Ridgeville is one of the most popular birding destinations in Lorain County...be sure to bring your camera to capture the American Bittern and Greater Yellowlegs this spring! You will not be disappointed with an outing at Sandy Ridge in any season!

But don't stop there; a birder can also travel into any number of the Lorain County Metro Parks (LCMP) reservations  and experience a wide variety of species. Continue a wonderful excursion on the shores of Lake Erie at Lakeview Park in Lorain, then to the Vermilion River Reservation and Columbia Reservation...to suggest a few more stops in the LCMP.

Other birding hots pots include Miller Road Park in Avon Lake. This area of the lake doesn't usually ice over so you will see a lot of waterfowl activity. The Oberlin and Wellington Reservoirs are also quite popular.

Our fine feathered friends can lead you into springtime and on a great tour of Lorain County. I am sure you will find some great places to wine and dine along the way.

Here is a helpful map for help you find your way to hot spots for birding:


For lodging or dining listings go to www.visitloraincounty.com or call us at 800.334.1673 and we would be happy to help you plan your next great birding adventure!