During the fall and spring migrations and despite the fact that we have no “seashore” in Ohio, an amazing array of shorebirds visit the state. Lakeshores, mudflats, “skypools” in flooded agricultural fields, marshes, bogs, fens, swamps. There are many habitats in Ohio that migrating shorebirds use to rest and recharge on their journeys.

Tips

Timing of Fall Shorebird Migration
An article from the Black Swamp Bird Observatory.

Muddy Future: Central Ohio Shore-birding
An article by Rob Thorn from Columbus Audubon website.

Tips for Tricky Bird IDs: Shorebird Edition!
An article from Madison Audubon in Wisconsin.

How to be Sure about Shorebirds
An article from Australian Birdlife with tips that work worldwide.

Basic Shorebird Identification with Kenn Kaufman
A video on shorebird id by Kenn Kaufman from the Friends of Malheur NWR.

Birding Drives

Two of the Ohio Birding Drives focus specifically on shorebird locations and are best done during the spring or fall shorebird migration.
Bellevue Birding Drive
Wayne County Shorebird Drive

Where to Find shorebirds in Ohio