As winter makes its arrival, unique birds in Ohio can be spotted
Bald eagles are highly visible along the Lake Erie shoreline.
Interesting and uncommon birds often make their way to Ohio during the winter months, and now is a great time to look for them. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife recommends bird enthusiasts check out state wildlife areas, nature preserves and parks that feature diverse habitats and are open to the public year round. Many of these areas offer places to view winter birds.
Some of Ohio’s breeding birds migrate out of the state during the winter, but cold weather drives other species here. Dark-eyed juncos, short-eared owls, pine siskins and purple finches are among the species that can be found in the Buckeye State during the winter. Resident birds such as cardinals, screech owls, woodpeckers and many hawks remain in Ohio year round.
Dark-eyed junco
With the nickname of snowbirds, dark-eyed juncos are quintessential winter birds. Throughout the cold months, juncos can be found across Ohio in natural habitats with adequate food and shelter. Juncos often forage along the ground in flocks and can easily be attracted to backyards with seed scattered on the ground. Look for white outer tail feathers that flash prominently when the birds fly to help identify this species.
Dark-eyed juncos will be showcased in the next edition of Wild Ohio Magazine. Subscribe by Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, to have more information on this species and photographs delivered to your door.
Bald eagle
In Ohio bald eagles begin courtship and pair bonding in January. Eagles typically lay eggs and incubate in February and March, nesting in large trees such as sycamores, oaks and cottonwoods. Meanwhile, frozen lakes and rivers force the birds to expand their hunting grounds in search of fish and carrion, their foods of choice.
In 2024 Ohio had an estimated 841 bald eagle nests. Look for eagles near their preferred aquatic habitats such as rivers, wetlands and frozen lakes or occasionally sitting in open fields. An eagle’s large size, dark-colored plumage and impressive wingspan are easy to spot against snow and ice.
Owls
Many types of owls are year-round residents in Ohio, but others are only found during the winter. Look in large grasslands for short-eared owls, which can be seen at dawn and dusk flying with deep, slow, moth-like wingbeats.
Barred owls, great horned owls and eastern screech owls can be found in Ohio’s woodlands. These species become more vocal in winter as they find mates and establish territories. Listen for these species at dusk in forests and watch for their silhouettes in bare trees.
Waterfowl
Cold weather and freezing water force many waterfowl to fly south each winter. Look for residents of the far north, like tundra swans, in open marshes, lakes and flooded fields, often mixed with flocks of slightly larger trumpeter swans.
Diving ducks such as redheads, canvasbacks, common goldeneyes, buffleheads, mergansers and more seek open water.
Snow, Ross’s, cackling and greater white-fronted geese often join flocks of Canada geese throughout the winter. Wetlands, open lakes and agricultural areas attract these uncommon geese, which appear smaller than Canada geese.
Many winter birds spend time in open fields and large bodies of water where they can be difficult to view. A good pair of binoculars or even a spotting scope are recommended to spot birds at long distances. It is best to observe birds from a distance to avoid disturbing them or scaring them away from scarce winter food resources.
Consider these additional resources to enhance your bird watching experience: Common Birds of Ohio field guidebook, available at www.wildohio.gov, and Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird online database and mobile app. The platform offered by eBird provides users an opportunity to serve as community scientists by contributing information regarding bird populations.