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

Loading map...

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

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/21/2026Oak Glen Nature Preserve (limited access, birders only, no trails or parking)2 observed

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus americanus

4/20/2026Winton Woods--Adventure Outpost1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/20/2026Mount Airy Forest1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/20/2026Gilmore Ponds MetroPark (do not walk along or cross railroad tracks)1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

4/20/2026Gilmore Ponds MetroPark (do not walk along or cross railroad tracks)1 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

4/19/2026Gilmore Ponds MetroPark (do not walk along or cross railroad tracks)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

14/21/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

24/21/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

74/21/2026

Osprey

14/21/2026

Purple Martin

34/21/2026

Barn Swallow

24/21/2026

Northern Parula

14/21/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

14/21/2026

Yellow-throated Warbler

34/21/2026

Prairie Warbler

14/21/2026

Blue-winged Teal

24/21/2026

Mallard

24/21/2026

Mourning Dove

24/21/2026

Killdeer

14/21/2026

Wilson's Snipe

14/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/21/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/21/2026

Blue Jay

24/21/2026

American Crow

64/21/2026

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.