COLUMBUS, Ohio — Recent days have been on the colder side, but the few warm days we’ve had have been accompanied by the singing of birds back for spring.
Hearing them is one thing, but many people make a hobby out of birding, watching the birds in their natural habitats.
As a resource for beginners and experienced birders alike, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife now has an updated edition of the Ohio Lake Erie Birding Trail Guidebook.
This was a partnership with the Ohio Sea Grant, according to an ODNR press release. It shows readers some of the best locations for birding on the lake’s coast.
“Ohio’s excellent birding attracts tens of thousands of visitors from across the world each year, many of them stopping along the Lake Erie Birding Trail,” the release reads. “Each spring, the influx of birders along Lake Erie’s shores contributes around $40 million to local economies. Throughout Ohio, wildlife viewing generated $1.6 billion in spending in 2022. More than 400 bird species have been recorded in the Buckeye State.”
The guidebook with run you $15. It can be purchased online or at various birding events.
“Designed for birders of all experience levels, the guidebook serves as both a navigational tool and an educational resource, emphasizing conservation efforts and responsible wildlife viewing,” the release reads.
The ODNR Division of Wildlife also highlighted the launch of their Lake Erie Birding Trail on the OuterSpatial app on both iOS and Android. They say users can see interactive maps and receive updates in real-time.
“The guidebook and trail’s addition to the OuterSpatial app highlights Lake Erie’s importance as a migratory corridor and emphasizes conservation efforts to protect habitats,” the release reads. “Ohio Sea Grant played a vital role in developing these resources by incorporating the latest research on coastal ecosystems and bird populations.”
