Coastal birding habitat

Kelleys Island

Ohio · Midwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Kelleys Island is a productive birding destination in Ohio, with 250 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

6/2/2026Pelee Island--Fish Point Provincial Nature Reserve1 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

6/2/2026Pelee Island--Fish Point Provincial Nature Reserve6 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

6/2/2026Bay Point1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

6/1/2026Resthaven Wildlife Area--Heywood Rd.1 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

6/1/2026Resthaven Wildlife Area--Handicapped Fishing Access1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

5/31/2026Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area--Pump House Wetland2 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/31/2026East Harbor SP--Wetlands Trail1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

5/31/2026Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area--Observation Deck3 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/30/2026Pelee Island--Fish Point Provincial Nature Reserve1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/30/2026Pelee Island--Stone Road Alvar Nature Reserve (ON Nature)1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

5/30/2026Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area--Pump House Wetland2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

205/31/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

15/31/2026

Ring-billed Gull

15/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

205/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

45/31/2026

American Crow

25/31/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

35/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

125/31/2026

Purple Martin

15/31/2026

Northern House Wren

35/31/2026

Gray Catbird

15/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

Chipping Sparrow

25/31/2026

Baltimore Oriole

25/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

45/31/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

25/31/2026

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 Kelleys Island for birding?
The best months to visit Kelleys Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Kelleys Island?
Notable species at Kelleys Island include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Kelleys Island?
Birding at Kelleys Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Kelleys Island?
Kelleys Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.