Findlay Water Pollution Control Center

Findlay Water Pollution Control Center

South River Road Findlay, Ohio 45840

Official Website

Also, see all the hotspots at:
Findlay Birding Drive

Tips for Birding

This hotspot can be used to report checklists for the treatment facilities, the grounds surrounding the Blanchard River from Broad Avenue west to I-75, and the now-closed sludge pits.

The Blanchard River at this spot is often the last open water in Hancock County in winter. The effluent into the river has never completely frozen. In mid to late winter, huge numbers of Canada Geese can be found, as well as Mallards, a smattering of other ducks, Cackling Geese occasionally, Great Blue Herons, and Kingfishers.

Mid-winter means much more car birding for me, especially when temps drop below 10 degrees and most lakes and streams are frozen! One of my favorite roadside stops is along the Blanchard River at a “hot water” area outside of Findlay Water Pollution Treatment Center where a variety of waterfowl gather.

Regulars are Mallards and Canada Geese, but as other water sources are lost to ice we’re very likely to get all the strays from around the county including Pied-billed Grebe, Redheads, Northern Pintail, Gadwall, and sometimes hundreds of Mergansers. On the larger side, Greater White-fronted and Snow Geese as well as an occasional swan may join the ranks. Be sure to drive the 2-mile stretch of road for winter songbirds, Horned Larks, Lapland Longspurs, and Snow Buntings to warm up a frigid day!

About this Location

The Water Pollution Control Center (WPCC) provides reliable and cost-effective wastewater treatment services for the citizens of Findlay. In 2013, the WPCC treated an average of 12.16 million gallons of sewage per day for a total of 4.44 billion gallons of sewage treated.

Content from Official Website, Bob Sams, and Amy Downing, Ohio Ornithological Society Northwest Regional Director