Directions to local birding spots

Sandy Ridge
Take Center Ridge Road west into North Ridgeville. Go past Route 83 until you reach Case Road. Turn right on Case Road to Otten. Turn right on Otten. Follow Otten to entrance to park on right. Trail begins past Nature Center. This is an excellent spot for water birds and shore birds, including Sandhill Cranes.

Crane Creek (Magee Marsh)
Take I-90 west to Route 2 split. Follow Route 2 to Crane Creek State Park on right hand side. From Crocker Road, this trip takes about 1.5 hours. After entering park, follow road all of the way to the end of the back parking lot by the entrance to the boardwalk. On the drive to the boardwalk, watch for water birds, including Herons, Egrets, and Trumpeter Swans. Also, watch for Yellow Warblers and Common Yellowthroats. On the boardwalk (and even outside the entrance to the boardwalk) watch for all sorts of spring migrants, including 25+ species of warblers. Other birds to watch for are Vireos, Cuckoos, Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and many species of warblers. On a good day, it is possible to record 90+ species here.

Sheldon’s Marsh
Approximately 45 minutes from Crocker Road. Take I-90 west to Route 2. Follow Route 2 to Rye Beach Road exit. Turn right. Turn left at first traffic light. Go past McDonald’s. Entrance to park is on right just past Sawmill Creek resort. Paths go through woods and out toward lake. Boots are a good idea. This is an excellent place to see migratory songbirds as well as deep and shallow water ducks.