Lake birding habitat

Stages Pond State Nature Preserve

Ohio · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Stages Pond State Nature Preserve is a productive birding destination in Ohio, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This lake 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

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

7/16/2026Known spot2 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

7/11/2026Clear Creek Metro Park--Benua Loop2 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

7/10/2026Pickerington Ponds--Wood Duck Picnic Area1 observed

American Barn Owl (American)

Tyto furcata

7/10/2026Pickerington Ponds (Franklin Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

27/13/2026

Mourning Dove

27/12/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/12/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/12/2026

Blue Jay

17/12/2026

Tree Swallow

27/12/2026

Barn Swallow

27/12/2026

Carolina Wren

17/12/2026

American Robin

87/12/2026

House Sparrow

27/12/2026

American Goldfinch

17/12/2026

Chipping Sparrow

17/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/12/2026

Common Grackle

17/12/2026

Canada Goose

307/12/2026

Wood Duck

67/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/12/2026

Osprey

17/12/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

17/12/2026

Northern Flicker

27/12/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Stages Pond State Nature Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Stages Pond State Nature Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Stages Pond State Nature Preserve?
Notable species at Stages Pond State Nature Preserve include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Stages Pond State Nature Preserve?
Birding at Stages Pond State Nature Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Stages Pond State Nature Preserve?
Stages Pond State Nature Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.