Mountain birding habitat

Margaret Peak Nature Preserve

Ohio · Midwest

Habitat
Mountain
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Margaret Peak Nature Preserve is a productive birding destination in Ohio, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This mountain habitat attracts Ring-billed Gull, Red-tailed Hawk, and Downy Woodpecker 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

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

6/1/2026Indian Hollow Reservation Trail1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

6/1/2026Litchfield Wetlands Nature Preserve3 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

5/31/2026Sandy Ridge Reservation1 observed

Lawrence's Warbler (hybrid)

Vermivora chrysoptera x cyanoptera (F2 backcross)

5/31/2026Letha House Park--Pawpaw Grove Trail1 observed

Kentucky Warbler

Geothlypis formosa

5/29/2026Hinckley Reservation--Redwing Cabin Picnic Area1 observed

Snowy Owl

Bubo scandiacus

5/28/2026Zachary A. Weber Riverside Park1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

5/27/202644346–44678 Russia Rd, Elyria US-OH 41.33815, -82.185492 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

5/27/2026Lorain Harbor Boat Ramp Hotwaters1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

5/27/2026Main St. Beach8 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/26/2026Gore Orphanage Rd (Sperry Rd - Dead End)1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/26/2026Letha House Park--Pawpaw Grove Trail1 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

5/26/2026960–992 E Capel Rd, Grafton US-OH 41.29442, -82.015771 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

5/26/2026960–992 E Capel Rd, Grafton US-OH 41.29442, -82.015772 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

125/30/2026

Mourning Dove

35/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/30/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/30/2026

Willow Flycatcher

25/30/2026

Eastern Kingbird

35/30/2026

European Starling

105/30/2026

American Robin

65/30/2026

American Goldfinch

65/30/2026

Field Sparrow

25/30/2026

Song Sparrow

85/30/2026

Swamp Sparrow

15/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

105/30/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

35/30/2026

Common Grackle

15/30/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/30/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

15/30/2026

Trumpeter Swan

15/29/2026

Wood Duck

45/29/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.

  2. 2

    Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.

  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 Margaret Peak Nature Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Margaret Peak Nature Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Margaret Peak Nature Preserve?
Notable species at Margaret Peak Nature Preserve include Ring-billed Gull, Red-tailed Hawk, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, European Starling. The area supports mountain habitats.
How difficult is birding at Margaret Peak Nature Preserve?
Birding at Margaret Peak Nature Preserve is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Margaret Peak Nature Preserve?
Margaret Peak Nature Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.