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

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

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

4/16/2026Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/16/2026Ottawa NWR--Two Rivers Unit, West Portage River South Rd.1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/15/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)3 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

4/15/2026Creek Bend Farm1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/15/2026Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/14/20263615 Southlawn Dr, Toledo, OH1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/14/2026Waterway Road1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/14/2026Bay View Park1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

4/14/2026Elliston Rd. @ Veler Rd.1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/13/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

4/13/2026Magee Marsh--Entrance Road4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

64/16/2026

Wood Duck

24/16/2026

Lesser Scaup

34/16/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

44/16/2026

Mourning Dove

24/16/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

14/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/16/2026

Great Egret

14/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/16/2026

American White Pelican

14/16/2026

Bald Eagle

14/16/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Tree Swallow

14/16/2026

Purple Martin

24/16/2026

European Starling

4/16/2026

American Robin

74/16/2026

House Sparrow

4/16/2026

Chipping Sparrow

24/16/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/16/2026

Song Sparrow

14/16/2026

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.