OHIO — The Biggest Week in American Birding kicks off Friday and Gov. Mike DeWine joined members of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources on Thursday to celebrate Bird Ohio Day.

The celebration was at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area.

What You Need To Know

  • The Biggest Week in American Birding kicks off May 3 and runs through May 12

  • Birding is one of Magee's top attraction with its mixture of wetlands, lake and forested beach ridge habitat according to ODNR

  • ODNR said other birding locations include public lands at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area, Maumee Bay State Park and Howard Marsh Metropark

  • The center will welcome visitors throughout the birding week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

“Northwest Ohio is a hotspot for migratory birds drawn here by Lake Erie and the surrounding wetland habitats,” said DeWine in a press release. “Hundreds of bird species rely on this region for migration and breeding, and by protecting and restoring places like Magee Marsh we can keep their populations strong.”

Birding is one of Magee's top attraction with its mixture of wetlands, lake and forested beach ridge habitat according to ODNR. The reserve also offers hunting, fishing and trapping among its outdoor activities.

“Magee Marsh and the areas around it are world-famous birding destinations, and for good reason,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Bird Ohio Day is a terrific time to highlight this and the tremendous economic benefits that stem from thousands of birders visiting the region each spring.”

ODNR said other birding locations include public lands at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area, Maumee Bay State Park and Howard Marsh Metropark where migratory birds and resident birds visit, including warblers, bald eagles, trumpeter swans, and shorebirds.

“Bird Ohio Day is about celebrating not just the birds that draw us here but the partnerships that make conservation happen,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “A positive example of this is the recent removal of trumpeter swans from the threatened species list, an accomplishment that would not be possible without collaboration and wetland restoration.”

The Magee Marsh Visitor Center was recently renovated and offers a wildlife-viewing walkway and allows visitors to learn about the areas conservation history through displays and exhibits. Birders can also use the area's boardwalk and trails to look for birds.

The center will welcome visitors throughout the birding week, which runs through May 12 in northwest Ohio, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. ODNR staff will be available to answer questions and share information. 

Magee Marsh Visitor Center is at 13229 W. State Route 2 in Oak Harbor, Ohio.