a bird perched on a tree branch

Fernald Preserve

Ohio · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk; visitor center Wed-Sun 9 AM - 5 PM

About This Location

Fernald Preserve is a productive birding destination in Ohio, with 258 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Gadwall 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

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

7/19/2026Fernald Preserve (Hamilton Co.)1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

7/17/20265553-5581 Kennel Rd, Trenton US-OH 39.4628, -84.47395 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

7/17/2026Miami Whitewater Forest--Shaker Trace Wetlands1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/17/2026Gilmore Ponds MetroPark (do not walk along or cross railroad tracks)1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/15/2026Kennel Rd Pond, Trenton2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

57/19/2026

Mallard

47/19/2026

Mourning Dove

257/19/2026

Killdeer

37/19/2026

Green Heron

37/19/2026

American Kestrel

17/19/2026

Willow Flycatcher

67/19/2026

Eastern Kingbird

37/19/2026

American Crow

17/19/2026

Barn Swallow

47/19/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

27/19/2026

Carolina Wren

17/19/2026

European Starling

307/19/2026

Gray Catbird

27/19/2026

Northern Mockingbird

47/19/2026

American Robin

207/19/2026

Cedar Waxwing

57/19/2026

American Goldfinch

47/19/2026

Field Sparrow

87/19/2026

Song Sparrow

47/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Fernald Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Fernald Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fernald Preserve?
Notable species at Fernald Preserve include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Gadwall, Mallard, Canvasback, Mute Swan, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Redhead, Bufflehead, Mourning Dove, American Coot. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fernald Preserve?
Birding at Fernald Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Fernald Preserve?
There is no entrance fee at Fernald Preserve. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk; visitor center Wed-Sun 9 AM - 5 PM.
What amenities are available at Fernald Preserve?
Fernald Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.