Ten Spots to See Warblers and Spring Migration
Acacia Reservation
Acacia is a vital stopover for all kinds of migrants. Its ponds, wetlands, and sweeping prairies provide refuge in a busy metropolitan area. Look for nesting orioles, red-shouldered hawks, and barn swallows showing off impressive aerial maneuvers.
APT at Euclid Beach, Euclid Creek Reservation
Euclid Beach is a great place for birds to stop and fuel up before crossing expansive Lake Erie, making it a hotspot for many species. Start at Wildwood Shelter to visit the beautiful marsh, known to harbor black-crowned night herons. Then follow the path along Euclid Creek until it empties into Lake Erie. Continue along the shoreline, where you're sure to see everything from warblers to spectacular waterfowl.
Wendy Park, Lakefront Reservation
A green space along the lakeshore is a great place to find migratory birds. Wendy Park and Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve are excellent destinations to look for warblers, sparrows, and other migrants. Birds stop to rest among the trees and shrubs before continuing their commute north to Canada across Lake Erie.
Lake Issac Loop, Big Creek Reservation
Lake Isaac Waterfowl Sanctuary is a gorgeous place to see birds on their migratory journeys. Start at the Lake-to-Lake Trailhead at Lake Isaac and travel north along the boardwalk. After enjoying views of Lake Isaac from the boardwalk, follow the natural-surface trail to a roughly 1-mile loop that returns to the boardwalk.
Jackson Field, South Chagrin Reservation
A visit to Jackson Field offers bird enthusiasts of any experience level a chance to enjoy the fields and forests along the Chagrin River. Naturalist-led bird walks take place here from 9:00–10:30 a.m. on the last Wednesday of most months throughout the year.
Huntington Reservation
Huntington Reservation offers an incredible diversity of birds as they pause here before continuing their migration north over Lake Erie. Look for warblers flitting among the treetops where meadow meets forest along Porter Creek Trail. View waterfowl from the high bluffs near the picnic area, or walk the shoreline of Huntington Beach to admire gulls, diving ducks, grebes, and loons. Birders of all levels will enjoy a visit.
Wildlife Management Trail, Rocky River Reservation
This flat woodland trail leads away from the busy road and parking lot, making it a perfect spot for migratory songbirds. Watch for warblers high in the canopy, spot thrushes and sparrows in the dense vegetation near the ground, and listen for the distinct call of the red-winged blackbird as the trail passes through wetland habitat. Access this 1.5-mile level trail via Shepard Lane Trail or the West Channel Pond Loop near Rocky River Nature Center.
Lily Lagoon Loop, North Chagrin Reservation
The Oxbow Lagoon across from Squire's Castle is a magnet for warblers, wood ducks, and purple martins. Explore the surrounding meadows, riparian woodlands, and rustic boardwalk for a wide variety of migratory birds.
Bunns Lake Loop, Bradley Woods Reservation
Explore Cleveland Metroparks’ only swamp forest to find returning migratory waterfowl. Keep your feet dry on this 0.5-mile paved loop surrounding Bunns Lake, where ducks, geese, and herons are plentiful.
Scranton Flats, Lakefront Reservation
Walk along the Cuyahoga River on the northernmost part of the Towpath Trail. The area known as Scranton Flats is a great spot to look for a variety of birds. Look under the Lorain Carnegie Bridge for the nesting box of a pair of peregrine falcons. Scan the river for interesting shorebirds, and search the shrubs and tall grasses for other migratory birds.
