Black River Reservation
Lorain/Elyria.

The Black River Reservation features an extensive oxbow swamp. Along a 3.5 mile paved trail, birders will likely spot belted kingfishers, American woodcocks, wood ducks and indigo buntings-depending on the season, of course.

Caley National Wildlife Woods
Wellington.

This managed wetland habitat is popular with many types of waterfowl. Nearly all species of dabbling ducks migrate here during the spring and fall. Ring-necked and bufflehead ducks and both scaup species can also be common. Breeding marsh wrens, Virginia rails, soras and others flock to the marsh; sightings of long-eared owls (winter) and sandhill cranes (early spring) make this a particularly exciting spot.

Carlisle Reservation
Carlisle Township

The Indoor Wildlife Observation Area at the Carlisle Visitor Center is the place to see birds in season, as well as many migrants and patrolling hawks. Ruby-throated hummingbirds can be seen in July and August. The Duck Pond is home to waterfowl and wintering Canada geese.

Findley State Park
Wellington.

Downy woodpeckers, blue jays, black-capped chickadees, tufted titmice and many other species are drawn to the park's many bird feeders during cold months. Wood ducks, sharp-shinned hawks, yellow-billed cuckoos and rose-breasted grosbeaks also breed here.

French Creek Nature Center
Sheffield Village.

This sanctuary for woodland bird species includes common nesters such as Acadian flycatchers, scarlet tanagers, Cooper's hawks and blue-gray gnatcatchers. Night birding is excellent year-round with great horned, barred and eastern screech owls in abundance.

Lorain Harbor
Lorain.

The warm water here attracts waterfowl throughout the year. The breakwater and jetties can reveal great blue and black-crowned herons, as well as purple sandpipers. Mallards and red-breasted mergansers are also likely to be seen.

Mill Hollow-Bacon Woods Memorial Park
Vermilion.

Birders will find an amazing variety of species in every season. Summer is a great time to spot Cerulean and hooded warblers, yellow-throated and warbling vireos, wood thrushes and great crested flycatchers. Winter residents include pileated woodpeckers, white-breasted nuthatches, yellow-rumped warblers and Carolina wrens.

Sandy Ridge Reservation
North Ridgeville.

The Sandy Ridge reservation is a 310 acre wetland wildlife preserve. The Reservation lies on level, soggy ground flanked to the north and south by ancient beach ridges in the northeast corner of Lorain County. A breeding list of birds in the Reservation is available on the Lorain County Metro Parks web site www.loraincountymetroparks.com