Published May 14, 2025

Bird Migration Basics

Spring is a wonderful time to spot all kinds of birds. Did you know over 450 species of birds can be found in Ohio? Many of southwestern Ohio’s birds live here year-round, but some spend only part of the year here. These part-time flying residents migrate to our region from other places in the world.

From February to May, birds migrate here from southern areas like Central and South America. Birds leave their winter homes to travel to a northern region like Ohio, where they can find more food. They will travel hundreds of miles in search of the right environment.

Just like humans, birds need to make pit stops along their journey to rest. This is why some species can only be found in the area for a few weeks at a time each year. They’re simply using our region like a bed-and-breakfast along the way to their final destination. Keep an eye out for birds like blackburnian warblers and green-winged teals, which pass through southwestern Ohio in the spring.

A bird’s long journey will end when it lands in a place that offers the right kind of food, water and shelter. Once birds have the resources they need, they will build a nest and lay eggs. In fact, many birds migrate back to the same area in which they were raised.

If you want to attract migrating birds to your yard, be sure to provide the right habitat—which includes food sources, clean water and shelter. The type of food and shelter you put out will attract different birds. For example, warblers have small beaks designed to eat insects and berries instead of nuts or large seeds.

If you want to learn more about the birds of southwestern Ohio, consider taking on MetroParks’ first-ever Birding Challenge. Spend time outdoors, learn something new and complete tasks for your chance to win prizes! Visit metroparks.org/birdingchallenge to learn more and sign up for the challenge.

The Birding Challenge features a variety of tasks from which you can choose to customize your own birding adventure. Here are a few suggestions for the spring migration season:

Spot! D

Spring is a great time to spot migrating warblers in Ohio. See how many different species you can find!

Spot! E

Identify a bird species this spring and look for it again in the fall.

Learn! C

Listen for the unique calls of migrating warblers and songbirds.

Support! A

Put out a bird feeder to help spring migrants refuel their energy.

Support! E

Help migrating birds stay safe by participating in Ohio Lights Out or putting up window decals.

Enjoy! C

Migration season is a great time to study interesting behaviors like mating rituals and nesting.

Get Together! C

Volunteer to help your Five Rivers MetroParks maintain habitat for our local birds.

View the full list of tasks here.

Five Rivers MetroParks hosts several programs that can help develop your birding skills. Check out the offerings for May:

EcoTalk on American Kestrels: Thursday, May 8, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Cox Arboretum MetroPark
Screech Owl Prowl: Friday, May 16, from 9 to 10:30 p.m. at Twin Creek MetroPark
Spring Migrant Bird Walk: Saturday, May 17, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Germantown MetroPark
Owl Prowl: Saturday, May 31, from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at Englewood MetroPark

While all Five Rivers MetroParks locations provide opportunities to bird, MetroParks has identified 12 Best Birding Areas to get you started:

Twin Valley Welcome Center at Germantown MetroPark (accessible)
Medlar Conservation Area at the Great-Little Trail (accessible)
Adirondack Boardwalk at Hills & Dales MetroPark
Woodman Fen Conservation Area
Eastwood Lake at Eastwood MetroPark (accessible)
Fishing Ponds at Possum Creek MetroPark (accessible)
Argonne Lake at Possum Creek MetroPark (Black Cherry Shelter Entrance) (accessible)
Marie Aull Trail at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark
Carriage Hill MetroPark
The Green Trail at Englewood MetroPark
Bird Blind on Germantown MetroPark’s Silver Trail
Bird Blind at Cox Arboretum MetroPark

If some of these locations are new to you, the easiest way to discover them is by using MetroParks’ mobile app. Download the app for free at www.metroparks.org/mobile.