Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, OH

Consistently ranked a top 10 birding spot in North America, these areas have spring/fall waterfowl and songbird migrations that attract 150,000- plus visitors. More than 300 species are common, drawn to the marshes for food, protection, rest and breeding. Located along the Mississippi Flyway, the marsh allows neotropical songbirds to rest before or after crossing Lake Erie. Together, they are named a Regional Shorebird Reserve by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.

Both natural areas are open year-round, dawn to dusk. Access to the visitor centers will vary pending time of year. Magee Marsh Bird Trail is closed during seasonal hunting. Magee's Sportsmans Migratory Bird Center is open 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday hours are offered, from 11 am to 5 pm, from March through November. Extended hours are offered April through May for migratory visitors. Some areas of the trails may close due to bald eagle nesting. The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is constructing a new visitor center, which will open in 2006.