Coastal birding habitat

Big Island Wildlife Area - North of LaRue-Prospect Road

Ohio · Midwest

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Big Island Wildlife Area - North of LaRue-Prospect Road is a productive birding destination in Ohio, with 250 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Tundra Swan 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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

6/2/2026Delaware SP2 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

6/2/2026Delaware SP1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

6/2/2026Delaware SP1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

5/31/2026Township Road 108, Harpster US-OH (40.7181,-83.3241)1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/31/20261054 Bethlehem Road West, Marion, Ohio, US (40.484, -83.125)32 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

5/29/20261054 Bethlehem Road West, Marion, Ohio, US (40.484, -83.125)2 observed

Upland Sandpiper

Bartramia longicauda

5/26/2026Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

5/25/2026Taway Rd 40.40370° N, 83.22062° W1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

5/25/2026Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area--Pond 31 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/25/2026Delaware Wildlife Area--Ponds South of Cole Rd.1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/25/2026Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area2 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

5/25/2026Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area4 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/24/2026Big Island Wildlife Area--Prospect-Upper Sandusky Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

246/2/2026

Trumpeter Swan

76/2/2026

Wood Duck

106/2/2026

Mallard

106/2/2026

Hooded Merganser

96/2/2026

Ruddy Duck

46/2/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

26/2/2026

Mourning Dove

36/2/2026

Virginia Rail

16/2/2026

Common Gallinule

66/2/2026

Sandhill Crane

26/2/2026

Killdeer

76/2/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

106/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

56/2/2026

Great Egret

326/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

216/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

36/2/2026

Bald Eagle

26/2/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

26/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

36/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Big Island Wildlife Area - North of LaRue-Prospect Road for birding?
The best months to visit Big Island Wildlife Area - North of LaRue-Prospect Road for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Big Island Wildlife Area - North of LaRue-Prospect Road?
Notable species at Big Island Wildlife Area - North of LaRue-Prospect Road include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Tundra Swan, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Island Wildlife Area - North of LaRue-Prospect Road?
Birding at Big Island Wildlife Area - North of LaRue-Prospect Road is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Big Island Wildlife Area - North of LaRue-Prospect Road?
Big Island Wildlife Area - North of LaRue-Prospect Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.