Black Swamp Bird Observatory and Trails

Black Swamp Bird Observatory and Trails

13551 West OH-2 Oak Harbor, Ohio 43449

Black Swamp Bird Observatory website
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area map and trails

Also, see all the hotspots at:
Lake Erie Western Basin Important Bird Area

Tips for Birding

Also, see:
Magee Marsh
Ottawa NWR

A private not-for-profit research and conservation organization, the Black Swamp Bird Observatory’s headquarters is located at the entrance to Magee Marsh Wildlife Area. The building hosts a bookstore stocked with a diverse selection of natural history books, and a “window on wildlife” looks out on feeders. It is always worth checking in for news of events, interesting bird sightings, and information about public programs.

The Black Swamp Bird Observatory is a stop on the Lake Erie Birding Trail.

Birds of Interest

Many interesting species can be seen at the feeders at very close range. Nearby trails access meadows and shrublands and can be great during migration. Numerous American Woodcock can be seen displaying in the spring near the building.

About this Location

Please, be safe. It is never safe to stop your car on OH-2 in this area. State and local police ticket drivers pulled over to the side of this highway.

The Black Swamp Bird Observatory Office and Gift Shop is located at the entrance of the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area. Hours vary by season. Open on most days during peak migration periods. Educational programs and displays, a nature shop, a window on wildlife, and information on local birding.

Gallagher Memorial Trail: Named for the late John F. Gallagher of Springfield, Ohio, who led the effort to save Ohio’s Cedar Bog from destruction. The trail leads through a woodland edge, scrub-shrub habitat, and meadow, and connects with the Magee-Ottawa Partnership Trail.

Directions from the east: Take I-90 west to OH-2 west and turn right at the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area sign and immediately left into the parking lot.

Directions from the west: From I-280 take exit 7 toward Oregon and turn left on OH-2 (Navarre Road). Turn left at the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area sign and immediately left into the parking lot.

Directions from the South: Take OH-53 north, turn left on US-20, turn right on OH-590, turn right on OH-2 and turn left at the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area sign, and immediately left into the parking lot.

Restrooms at Magee Marsh are available inside the Migratory Bird Center. Portable toilets are at the Black Swamp Bird Observatory office all year and seasonally at the parking lot for the Magee Marsh boardwalk.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

Content from Black Swamp Bird Observatory webpage