Big Creek Reservation - Lake Isaac

Ohio · Midwest

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Habitat

LakeRiver/Riparian

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Big Creek Reservation - Lake Isaac is a productive birding destination in Ohio, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian habitat attracts Bufflehead, Blue Jay, and Canada Goose among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Bufflehead Blue Jay Canada Goose Mallard Hooded Merganser

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/14/2026Margaret Peak Nature Preserve1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

7/11/2026North Marginal near Burke1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

7/11/2026Margaret Peak Nature Preserve1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

7/8/2026Brunswick Lake Peninsula1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/7/2026Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored)

Junco hyemalis

7/4/2026Hinckley Reservation--Hinckley Hills Loop3 observed

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Regulus satrapa

7/4/2026Hinckley Reservation--Hinckley Hills Loop1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Chimney Swift

27/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/14/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/14/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/14/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/14/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/14/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/14/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

27/14/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/14/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/14/2026

Tree Swallow

47/14/2026

Barn Swallow

17/14/2026

American Goldfinch

17/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/14/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

17/14/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

57/12/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/12/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/12/2026

Blue Jay

47/12/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Ohio

Magee Marsh Wildlife Area

The warbler capital of North America with legendary boardwalk birding on Lake Erie.

Alum Creek State Park - Alum Reservoir

Lake birding hotspot in Ohio with 211 recorded species.

Alum Creek State Park - Beach and Alum Reservoir South

Coastal birding hotspot in Ohio with 259 recorded species.

Ohio Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Ohio →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Big Creek Reservation - Lake Isaac for birding?▼

The best months to visit Big Creek Reservation - Lake Isaac for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Big Creek Reservation - Lake Isaac?▼

Notable species at Big Creek Reservation - Lake Isaac include Bufflehead, Blue Jay, Canada Goose, Mallard, Hooded Merganser. The area supports lake, river/riparian habitats.

How difficult is birding at Big Creek Reservation - Lake Isaac?▼

Birding at Big Creek Reservation - Lake Isaac is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Big Creek Reservation - Lake Isaac?▼

Big Creek Reservation - Lake Isaac offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.