Warblers on the famous boardwalk at Magee Marsh in spring

Magee Marsh Wildlife Area

Ohio · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandForestMarsh
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily

About This Location

Magee Marsh is the undisputed warbler capital of North America, where the famous boardwalk trail brings birders face-to-face with dozens of warbler species during spring migration. Located on Lake Erie's southern shore, it is the epicenter of The Biggest Week in American Birding festival.

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 Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

7/21/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)4 observed

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

7/21/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

7/21/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/21/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/20/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/20/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

207/21/2026

Black-necked Stilt

87/21/2026

Killdeer

107/21/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

27/21/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/21/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

37/21/2026

Least Sandpiper

57/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/21/2026

Caspian Tern

17/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/21/2026

Snowy Egret

17/21/2026

Great Egret

37/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/21/2026

Osprey

17/21/2026

Bald Eagle

17/21/2026

Barn Swallow

407/21/2026

Marsh Wren

27/21/2026

European Starling

707/21/2026

American Robin

37/21/2026

American Goldfinch

17/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit during the Biggest Week in American Birding in early May

  2. 2

    The boardwalk is best at dawn before crowds arrive

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

  5. 5

    Bring waterproof boots and scan the marsh edges for rails, herons, and bitterns

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Magee Marsh Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Magee Marsh Wildlife Area for birding are May. The best seasons are Spring.
What birds can I see at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area include Blackburnian Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Kirtland's Warbler, Bald Eagle, Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Tundra Swan, American Woodcock, Wood Duck. The area supports wetland, forest, marsh habitats.
How difficult is birding at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area?
Birding at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area?
There is no entrance fee at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area. Hours: Dawn to dusk daily.
What amenities are available at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area?
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Boardwalk, Observation Tower.