Grassland birding habitat

Penitentiary Glen Reservation

Ohio · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Penitentiary Glen Reservation is a productive birding destination in Ohio, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Pine Siskin, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Hairy 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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/3/2026LaDue Reservoir2 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/2/2026Burton Wetlands1 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

6/2/2026Hell Hollow Wilderness Area1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

6/2/2026my yard1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

6/2/2026my yard1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

6/2/2026my yard1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

6/1/2026Solon Landfill1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

6/1/2026my yard1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

6/1/2026my yard

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

5/31/20269501–9799 Wisner Rd, Mentor US-OH 41.61178, -81.2852510 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Chimney Swift

26/3/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

36/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

26/3/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

36/3/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

26/3/2026

Eastern Phoebe

16/3/2026

Blue-headed Vireo

16/3/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

46/3/2026

Blue Jay

36/3/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

36/3/2026

Tufted Titmouse

36/3/2026

Purple Martin

26/3/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

16/3/2026

Winter Wren

16/3/2026

Gray Catbird

16/3/2026

American Robin

36/3/2026

Cedar Waxwing

66/3/2026

House Sparrow

26/3/2026

House Finch

16/3/2026

American Goldfinch

36/3/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Penitentiary Glen Reservation for birding?
The best months to visit Penitentiary Glen Reservation for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Penitentiary Glen Reservation?
Notable species at Penitentiary Glen Reservation include Pine Siskin, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Penitentiary Glen Reservation?
Birding at Penitentiary Glen Reservation is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Penitentiary Glen Reservation?
Penitentiary Glen Reservation offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.