Birding in Ohio is a popular activity for both the serious enthusiast as well as those who simply enjoy a leisurely stroll in the woods. In Sidney and Shelby County, those with an affinity for birding will find a number of prime locations from which to view their favorite species.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO SEE
The best sanctuary for birding in Shelby County Ohio is Lake Loramie State Park, located in nearby Fort Loramie. Just 20 minutes from Sidney, Lake Loramie is an ideal location for hiking, biking, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and fishing. Birding enthusiasts will find a wonderful variety of species year round, but the best seasons for viewing are during the south to north migration in May/June and the north to south migration in September/October.
Many species of birds common to this area include:
• Cardinal
• Sparrow
• Oriole
• Robbin
• Blue Jay
• Finch
• Mallard
• Wood Duck
• Red Headed and Pileated Woodpeckers
• Blue Heron
• Turkey Vulture
• Red Tailed, Red Shouldered, Sharp Shinned, and Coopers Hawk
Other less common, but often found species include:
• King Fisher
• Osprey
• Red Belly Woodpecker
• Northern Flicker
• Yellow and Yellow Throated Warbler
• Turkey
• Northern Harrier
• Wood Thrush
• Brown Thrasher
• Short Eared and Great Horned Owl
Other great locations for birding are Sidney’s Tawawa Civic Park, Sidney’s Canal Feeder Trail, and nearby Lockington Reserve. Here too you’ll find all of the birds common to west central Ohio plus several of the other “less common” varieties listed above.
PRO TIP
A wonderful friend to the Sidney Visitors Bureau, avid birder, and accomplished photographer is Brent Grieves. Brent can be found regularly in the woods and along the waterways of this region enjoying nature and capturing some of the most beautiful outdoor and wildlife images imaginable. To stay up to date with birding activity in our area, we encourage you to follow Brent on Facebook and Instagram.
WHAT ELSE?
Sharing the Lake Loramie habitat are a number of mammals you’ll likely see during your visit. Of course Squirrel, Raccoon, Possum, and White Tail Deer are common, but chance encounters with Red Fox, Coyote, Mink, Musk Rat, and Beaver are also possible for the quiet and careful observer.
And YES, Lake Loramie is home to Bald Eagles too!
