Join Naturalist Journeys on this spring migration tour to Ohio, a place that is quickly gaining recognition as one of North America’s best places to bird during spring migration. Take part in the Biggest Week in American Birding Festival on the teeming shores of Lake Erie where, each spring, migrant songbirds, shorebirds, waders, and raptors pass through by the thousands on their way to Canada.

Northwest Ohio is unofficially the Warbler Capital of the World; Ohio is home to seven designated Globally Important Bird Areas (IBA). Over 325 species have been recorded here, with daily spring tallies reaching 120 species! While Canada’s Point Pelee has long been the Great Lakes’ star location, just across the lake, the Ohio shoreline (with its extensive wetlands and preserves) serves as the staging site before migrating birds head north. Crane Creek, Magee Marsh, and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge are gems of this unique geography, and until now have been a long-kept secret. Today, the word is out and it’s considered one of the top birding areas in the country.

Enjoy the popular Biggest Week in American Birding Festival while expert local guide Dan Donaldson helps you avoid the crowds and find the hot spots. Dan lives and works in the region and we are fortunate to have him share his contacts and expertise.

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  • “Unbelievable array of warblers and song birds bunched up in migration.” — David Zens, 2023 Traveler
  • “What sets Naturalist Journeys apart from other birding trips I've taken is that we were transported in two vehicles rather than being crowded into a 15-passenger van. The guides made the extra effort to make sure we had quality observations of the birds, while keeping us on schedule without feeling rushed.” — Sharon and Mark Boranyak, 2023 Travelers

Tour Highlights

  • Attend festival activities and talks, plus enjoy optional festival field trips
  • Explore the famous Magee Marsh Boardwalk, swarming with feasting migrants, some at arm’s length!
  • Bird the upland scrub-shrub forests and marshes of the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
  • Visit Oak Openings Metro Park, home to 80% of Ohio’s endangered species
  • Explore Kelley’s Island and its stunning example of glacial grooves
  • Discover Marblehead Island and its beautiful and endangered Lakeside Daisy
  • Watch a bird-banding demonstration at Black Swamp Bird Observatory
  • Stay right at Maumee Bay State Park Lodge, where the festival’s events occur
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Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Tues., May 6     Arrive in Cleveland | Downtown Lake Front Birding

Please plan to arrive no later than 2:00 PM at the Cleveland International Airport. Please plan to take our hotel’s free airport shuttle to the hotel. Drop your bags at the hotel, freshen up, and then depart for some afternoon birding in the downtown lakefront areas of Cleveland. These green islands and lakeside woodlots are often very productive for birds and offer exciting city views.

We then enjoy dinner at a fun restaurant in one of the up-and-coming “hipster” Cleveland neighborhoods before returning to our hotel in time to relax and settle in before our first morning of birding tomorrow.
Accommodations at the Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland Airport, Cleveland (D)

Wed., May 7     Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Lakefront Birding to Maumee Bay

This morning, after breakfast at our Cleveland hotel, we depart early for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park where we explore for woodland bird species that we are unlikely to see in the western marsh areas of Ohio. We bird a very mature beaver marsh where thick vegetation can produce many warblers, and perhaps our best chance for Yellow-throated Warbler, River Otter, and a good variety of waterfowl and water birds. We also visit a heron rookery that offers terrific views and photo opportunities of over 60 nests, many with chicks by this time.

We enjoy lunch in the historic town of Peninsula and then stop at the park visitor center for some local history, national park stamps, and more birding along the famous Tow Path Trail. We spend the afternoon working our way back to Cleveland for some late afternoon birding, another wonderful local dinner, and perhaps a sunset at one of Cleveland’s wonderful lakefront parks.
Accommodations at the Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland Airport, Cleveland (D)

Thurs., May 8      Travel to Magee Marsh & Ohio’s Biggest Week Birding Festival

We enjoy breakfast at our hotel and then depart for Western Ohio and the Maumee Bay State Park and Lodge where we spend the rest of our week. The lodge also happens to be the headquarters for the Biggest Week in American Birding Festival. Today is casual, guide’s choice for locations. If the winds are favorable and they’re having a good day on the Magee Marsh Boardwalk we make a quick stop on our way.

Otherwise, we go directly to the lodge, have lunch, settle in, and do some afternoon birding at the many great habitats available at the lodge. The festival is also in full swing with vendors and exhibits to enjoy. Tonight we enjoy dinner at the lodge.
Accommodations at Maumee Bay State Park Lodge (B,L,D)

Fri., May 9      Magee Marsh | Ottawa Marsh | Maumee Bay State Park

We use today to orientate ourselves to the area by jump-starting our birding with a walk on the Magee Marsh boardwalk. While the boardwalk can be busy with other birders, it is always rewarding. See 15+ warbler species including Cape May, Blackburnian, Magnolia, Yellow-rumped, and Canada Warblers, plus Black-billed Cuckoo, both Swainson's and Gray-cheeked Thrush, and American Redstart.

After lunch we explore the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), 6,700 acres of protected Lake Erie marshes and upland scrub-shrub forests. We make a quick stop in the new, LEED-Certified visitor center, then drive the auto tour through many of the wetland units. Trumpeter Swan were reintroduced here in the late 1990s, and these swans are easy to identify by their bright, orange-red necks and heads, stained from the water’s high iron content. We take time to seek out shorebirds and waterfowl, including Blue-winged Teal, both Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs, and Wood Duck, plus Bald Eagle, and even Great Horned Owl (many years we see young owls being reared in vacant Bald Eagle nests — what a treat!).
Accommodations at Maumee Bay State Park Lodge (B,L,D)

Sat., May 10      Oak Openings | Metzger Marsh

Today we venture west of the Lake Erie marsh region to visit the Oak Openings region of Ohio. An ancient sand dune area, Oak Openings boasts nearly 80% of the state’s rare and endangered species. This unique dune and wetland complex creates a habitat that replicates the oak savannas and sand barren areas far into the Midwest. Here we hope to spot Lark and other sparrows, both Summer and Scarlet Tanagers, Red-headed Woodpecker, Eastern Bluebird, and Hooded, Pine, and Yellow-throated Warblers, and we may even see Eastern Meadowlark.

After lunch, we head to Pearson Metropark to explore the newly-created Metzger Marsh, part of a large wetland restoration project. Common finds include Marsh Wren and Least, Spotted, and Semipalmated Sandpipers. We also network with other guides and experts to monitor the migration, so as activity calls, we follow! Accommodations at Maumee Bay State Park Lodge (B,L,D)

Sun., May 11      Kelley’s Island & Catawba Island | East Harbor State Park | Evening at Magee Marsh Boardwalk

We begin the day with a ferry trip to Kelley’s Island. Kelley’s Island offers unique habitats for birding, interesting cultural history, and North America’s best example of glacial grooves. After a late lunch we head back to the mainland and bird the under birded areas surrounding Sandusky Bay and Catawba Island. We visit Marblehead and if we’re lucky, we may catch the endangered Lakeside Daisy in abundant bloom. We keep our eyes out for Mississippi Kite, as well as other species. While we’re here, we make sure to stop at the picturesque Marblehead Lighthouse.

We move on to East Harbor State Park, where we’re sure to spot Great Blue Heron in the bays, and forest dwellers like Scarlet Tanager and Red-eyed Vireo along the park’s woodland trails. Depending on how productive the day has been, we head back to Magee Marsh Boardwalk for an evening check in; birds are (almost) a guarantee here — we like to check often!
Accommodations at Maumee Bay State Park Lodge (B,L,D)

Mon., May 12     Magee Marsh | Ottawa Marsh | Metzger Marsh

We spend our last day of birding focusing on the Magee Marsh Boardwalk. We start early and leave our options open to pick up any warblers and passerines we haven’t seen earlier in the week. Although the boardwalk may be busy, we can hope that another wave of new species arrived overnight. Spot Cerulean, possible Kirtland’s, and Blackpoll Warblers; Scarlet Tanager; Willow, Alder, and Least Flycatchers; Eastern Kingbird; and Eastern Wood-pewee. We make quick stops at Ottawa NWR and Metzger Marsh again in hopes of picking up a few more species, then head back to the lodge early for a little downtime (or festival time — your choice). Tonight we enjoy a final dinner together at one of Dan’s favorite restaurants, The Beirut, famous for fresh, authentic Lebanese food.
Accommodations at Maumee Bay State Park Lodge (B,L,D)

Tues., May 13      Departures

A great week of birding comes to an end. Please make your airline reservations to depart after 12:00 PM. (B)

  • Birding Ohio, Ohio Biggest Week in Birding, Spring Migration, Bird watching Ohio, North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Lake Erie

    Black-crowned Night Heron by David Kruse

  • Birding Ohio, Ohio Biggest Week in Birding, Spring Migration, Bird watching Ohio, North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Lake Erie

    American Redstart by Robert Hill

  • Birding Ohio, Ohio Biggest Week in Birding, Spring Migration, Bird watching Ohio, North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Lake Erie

    Great Egret by David Kruse

  • Birding Ohio, Ohio Biggest Week in Birding, Spring Migration, Bird watching Ohio, North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Lake Erie

    Group at Magee Marsh by Robert Hill

  • Birding Ohio, Ohio Biggest Week in Birding, Spring Migration, Bird watching Ohio, North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Lake Erie

    Scarlet Tanager by Robert Hill

  • Birding Ohio, Ohio Biggest Week in Birding, Spring Migration, Bird watching Ohio, North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Lake Erie

    Bald Eagle by David Kruse

  • Birding Ohio, Ohio Biggest Week in Birding, Spring Migration, Bird watching Ohio, North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Lake Erie

    White-breasted Nuthatch

  • Birding Ohio, Ohio Biggest Week in Birding, Spring Migration, Bird watching Ohio, North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Lake Erie

    Sandhill Cranes by David Kruse

  • Birding Ohio, Ohio Biggest Week in Birding, Spring Migration, Bird watching Ohio, North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Lake Erie

    Tree Swallow by Robert Hill

  • Northern Cardinal, Ohio, Spring Migration, Maumee Bay, Oak Openings, Spring Migration Tour, Migration Tour, Naturalist Journeys

    Northern Cardinal by Doug Greenberg

  • Birding Ohio, Ohio Biggest Week in Birding, Spring Migration, Bird watching Ohio, North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Lake Erie

    Group Birding by Judy Guzy

  • Birding Ohio, Ohio Biggest Week in Birding, Spring Migration, Bird watching Ohio, North America, Naturalist Journeys, Wildlife Tour, Wildlife Photography, Ecotourism, Specialty Birds, Birding Hotspot, Lake Erie

    Red-bellied Woodpecker by David Kruse

Cost of the Journey

Cost of the tour is $3490 DBL / $4090 SGL, per person based on double occupancy from Cleveland, Ohio. The cost includes seven nights’ accommodation, all meals as noted in the itinerary, last day airport transfer, land and boat transportation during the journey, professional guide services, park and other entrance fees, and miscellaneous program expenses. Not included in the tour cost is round-trip airfare to and from Cleveland, personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, drinks from the bar, and gratuities for luggage handling or other services. Guide gratuities are at your discretion.

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival and Departure Airport: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)

Arrival Details: Plan to arrive May 6, 2025 no later than 2:00 PM.

Departure Details: Plan May 13, 2024 flights after 12:00 PM. After breakfast, we’ll depart the Maumee Bay State Park Lodge and drive a little under two hours to the airport.

Travel Tip: If you want to arrive a day or two early, Cleveland is a great city to explore! The famous Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is located in downtown Cleveland right on the waterfront at Lake Erie. The Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland Museum of Art, and Cleveland Museum of Natural History are all located in the same area east of downtown, which is a short 10 minute ride by taxi or Uber. If you’re a baseball fan and the Cleveland Indians are in town, you can go to a ballgame at Progressive Field, which is located right in the downtown area.

Hotel Recommendations: The Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland Airport. Adding a night to our first night tour hotel makes the best use of your added time.

Items of Note

Weather and wind direction greatly impact bird migration and which locations offer the best birding for the day. Our goal is to visit all the locations and more during the trip, but days and locations will be arranged to accommodate the weather and local conditions.

Dining is casual at restaurants that feature regional foods, some picnic lunches, and a few restaurants that feature some international flair.

Pace is moderate; full days of birding and walks on sometimes wet, but established roads and trails; a typical walk is half a mile to two miles. You can opt to return to the hotel on several days if you would like a lighter pace.

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

  • Dan Donaldson

    Dan Donaldson is an accomplished naturalist-birder based in Northeastern Ohio and has been guiding for Naturalist Journeys for nearly 20 years. Dan has developed his skills while working as a naturalist for a local park district for 25 years as well as with his full-time job as director of the local soil and water conservation district. Acustomed to varied audiences from novices to experts, Dan incorporates much more than just identification in his tours and programs. Dan has led tours for The Nature Conservancy, National Parks Conservation, and other tour companies. While now an international guide, his specialization in birding locales ranges from the Great Lakes to coastal destinations ranging from the Maritime Provinces of Canada and Maine, to the Florida Keys.

    Other trips with Dan Donaldson

  • Kent Skaggs

    Kent was born and raised in Nebraska and this is where he developed his passion for birds and nature in general. He worked 20 years at Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary where he helped countless visitors experience the annual spring staging of Sandhill Cranes along the Platte River in south-central Nebraska. While at Rowe, he conducted bird surveys on the sanctuary and coordinated and led birding field trips for the annual Audubon Nebraska Crane Festival. He also spent three seasons leading tours to see displaying Greater Prairie-Chickens and Sharp-tailed Grouse for Calamus Outfitters in the Nebraska Sandhills. Kent and his partner Kathy currently reside in southwest Virginia.

    Other trips with Kent Skaggs

Map for Ohio: The Biggest Week in Birding

Essential Information +

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have Read more

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

  • Please talk with your doctor about general health needs. It is a good idea to consult with your doctor about general vaccinations recommended for travel.
  • Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed. After you make travel reservations, please send a copy of your travel itinerary to the Naturalist Journeys office at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com.
  • Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.
  • Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Remember to pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Health Information

We will share a copy of your health and emergency contact information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important in case of a medical emergency. In addition to bringing any prescription medications with you, we recommend that you have a copy of the prescriptions in case of loss.

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.  

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Food & Drink

We carry water and juices/cold drinks in the cooler each day, and sodas if people like them. Please also plan on bringing and filling your water bottle for hiking each day. We try to use as few plastics as possible!

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Please pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay.

Dress is informal and is casual even at restaurants. Layering is a great way to stay comfortable. Protective clothing is essential, whether it be from sun, rain, cold, insects, or vegetation. You need closed toe shoes, and wear comfortable walking shoes with good tread. Hiking boots with good support for hiking and on rocky terrain can work well.

Spending Money

Many people ask how much to plan to bring as spending money. Part of that depends on how much you want to shop. Most shops will take VISA and MasterCard or American Express. Typical items people purchase include local souvenirs and T-shirts, caps, and natural history books.  You may want to bring cash for drinks with dinner (if available) or smaller local purchases.

Gratuities

Expect the normal tipping protocol to apply for hotel maids and bar service. If at the end of the tour, you would like to show your appreciation to your guides, tipping is entirely appropriate but at your discretion. We hope that you will be pleased with all professional services. Gratuities for group meals are included. For your birding tour guide, we suggest $10-$15 per day per guest. Note that if there is more than one guide, this amount can be split among them.

Cell Phones & Internet Service

Wi-Fi and cell phone service are available in most US destinations, although there are some exceptions in remote locations. Wi-Fi is generally provided in all hotels, lodges, and restaurants you visit, at least in public areas. Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers unless it appears to be an emergency as this disrupts other guests – please plan cell phone calls on your own time.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

For this tour, your guides will drive travelers in either full-size or mini-vans or a combination of those two. We ask all attendees to please rotate your seating, so you ride with different drivers and alternate between front and back seats.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives permission to record photos and/or video of your participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochures, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

 

Packing List +

Please pack light! Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid Read more

Please pack light!

Soft luggage is much easier for us to pack than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft luggage. Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle. It is our hope that you can pack in one checked suitcase that does not exceed 45 pounds. Be sure to pack your personal medication, airline tickets, passport, binoculars, camera, and other essential items in your carry-on bag. You will want a day pack for field trips, so this is an ideal carry-on. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.

In general, the weather during your stay should be cool to comfortable – unless it is wet, then it can stay cold throughout the day. The best system for packing is layers, with a good wind-breaking layer (often this is your raincoat as well). The average monthly temperatures for the northern area of Ohio in May are ~ 70° for the high, ~ 50° for the low.

Dress is comfortable and informal throughout the trip. Dressing in layers is the best way to be comfortable. Lightweight long sleeve shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing as they are more protective from sun and vegetation. But if you like to wear them, by all means bring some shorts. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are comfortable and easy.

Note on clothing colors and insect repellent: We recommend muted colors of tan, brown, khaki, grey or green, as they are spotted less easily than white or bright colors, though camouflage clothing is not recommended. It is possible to purchase field clothing permeated with insect repellent; two options are Craghoppers Insect Shield and Exofficio’s Bugs Away collections. Another approach is to purchase Permethrin spray (online or from REI) to treat your field clothing and socks before your departure.

Clothing & Gear

  • Lightweight long pants, 2 pair
  • Lightweight long-sleeved shirts – 2 or 3
  • Shorts (optional)
  • T-shirts or equivalent (1 per every other day recommended – remember you may buy some there!)
  • Personal underclothing
  • Socks – lightweight and easy to wash and dry
  • Comfortable walking/hiking shoes such as tennis shoes
  • Lightweight hiking boots. Please note that forest trails will be on uneven terrain and may be muddy - good tread and support are essential!
  • Lightweight raincoat or poncho
  • Lightweight jacket, fleece fabric is ideal
  • Comfortable clothes for evening (a cleaner version of your field clothes or a skirt, sundress, etc.)
  • Bathing suit
  • Hat with broad brim
  • Field vest (optional), a great source is Big Pockets

Equipment & Miscellaneous

  • E-ticket verificationPhoto ID
  • Money pouch, or someplace to carry your money and passport with you at all times
  • Small daypack or fanny pack for carrying your field gear
  • Umbrella – compact and not brightly colored
  • Walking stick – we find that many travelers appreciate a walking stick on trails, sporting goods stores carry collapsible models that pack easily in your suitcase (optional)
  • Small flashlight with fresh batteries
  • Alarm clock, or use your cell phone
  • Sunscreen/Chapstick or equivalent
  • Sunglasses with neck strap
  • Toiletry articles
  • Binoculars
  • Spotting scope and tripod (optional)
  • Camera and extra batteries, memory cards, lens cleaning supplies and your instruction manual (optional)
  • Water bottle (or plan to refill one bought on location)
  • Notebook or journal and pen (optional)
  • Field guides (optional)
  • Laundry soap if you plan to do hand washing
  • Earplugs – in urban and even rural areas barking dogs and traffic noise can be annoying
  • Rechargeable power bank (optional

 

WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing - your mind will be at ease!

Medical & First Aid Items

  • Personal medications (and copy of vital prescriptions)
  • Motion sickness preventatives if likely to be needed on bus, van drives, etc.
  • Personal first aid kit and medications for general ailments
  • Copy of eyeglass prescription, copy of medical prescriptions, vaccination records, and any medical alerts
  • Insurance information
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts
  • Band-aids, moleskin to protect against blisters
  • Antibacterial gel in small container

 

Suggested Reading List +

  There are many titles of interest for Ohio; the following are a few that we Read more

 

There are many titles of interest for Ohio; the following are a few that we have enjoyed that can get you started.

General Reading

Kaufman Field Guide to Advanced Birding: Understanding What You See and Hear

The Birder’s Handbook: A Field Guide to the Natural History of North American Birds

The Complete Birder, A Guide to Better Birding

Field Guides

Birds of Prey: Natural History and Conservation of North American Raptors

Merlin App. A phone-based birding app from Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology. You can download it here.

Sibley Guide to Birds

Field Guide to the Birds of North America

Birds of Ohio Field Guide

Birds of the Lake Erie Region

A Field Guide to Warblers of North America

Hawks in Flight

Field Guide to Hawks of North America

A Field Guide to Warblers of North America

Great Lakes Nature Guide

Wildflowers of Ohio Field Guide

Kaufman Field Guide to Butterflies of North America

Dragonflies and Damselflies of the East

A Field Guide to Reptiles & Amphibians of Eastern & Central North America

Natural History

Wild Ohio: The Best of Our Natural Heritage

Living on the Wind: Across the Hemisphere with Migratory Birds

Gatherings of Angels: Migrating Birds and Their Ecology

The Migration of Birds: Seasons on the Wing

History & Culture

Ohio: A History of the Buckeye State

Your guide will also have a selection of reference books and materials for participants to share. As an Amazon Associate, Naturalist Journeys earns from qualifying purchases, and may get commissions for purchases made through links on this page at no added cost to you.

 

Useful Links +

Learn more about your destination at these external websites, carefully researched for you. Read more

General

Cleveland, OH – An Encyclopedic Overview

Peninsula, OH

“Biggest Week in American Birding!”

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

Audubon Bird Guide App

Birding Ohio – Audubon

Where The Birds Are - Audubon Society of  Greater Cleveland

Species in Ohio – iNaturalist.com (filtering available for specifics, including “threatened”)

Endangered Lakeside Daisy – US Fish & Wildlife Service Overview

Mississippi Kite

Mammals of Ohio

Conservation, Parks & Reserves

Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative

Ohio Conservation Federation

Ohio Ornithological Society – Bird Conservation in Ohio

“Ohio’s endangered species: Blackbear, Rattlesnake, Hellbender and More” – 2016 Article, Cleveland.com

Environmental Protection Agency - Lake Erie

Lake Erie Birding Trail

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Magee Marsh Wildlife Area

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

Maumee Bay State Park

Oak Openings Preserve Metropark

Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area

Kelley’s Island State Park

Catawba Island State Park

East Harbor State Park

Geology & Geography

Geology of Ohio

Making of the Great Lakes

Glacial Grooves at Kelley's Island

Geography of Ohio

History & Culture

History of Ohio

Ohio History Connection

Arts & Culture – Ohio.org

Ohio Buckeye Tree

Buckeye Candy

Cuisine of Ohio

Helpful Travel Websites

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)

Homeland Security Real ID Act

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

ATM Locator

Date & Time


Photo credits: Banners: Black-throated Blue Warbler (NJ Stock), Bald Eagle (David Kruse), Cape May Warbler (NJ Stock), Eastern Screech Owl (Greg Smith), Group Birding (NJ Stock), Blackburnian Warbler (NJ Stock), Trumpeter Swan (NJ Stock), Black-thoated Green Warbler (Ruth Guillemette) Thumbnails: Black-and-white Warbler (NJ Stock), Eastern Screech Owl (Robert Hill), Scarlet Tanager (NJ Stock), Hooded Warbler (NJ Stock), Black-billed Cuckoo (NJ Stock), Cerulean Warbler (NJ Stock), Yellow-throated Warbler (NJ Stock), Trumpeter Swan (NJ Stock)

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