Magee and Beyond: Spring Birding in Northern Ohio

Every spring, the southern shore of Lake Erie becomes one of the most extraordinary birding destinations in North America. Woodlots, wetlands, and lakeside habitats draw in a dazzling array of migrant songbirds, many of them on their way to breeding grounds farther north. For a few brief weeks in May, warblers and other species gather here in remarkable numbers—and often at remarkably close range. This trip is designed to make the most of that magic.

We’ll spend our days exploring the famous boardwalk at Magee Marsh and a carefully chosen mix of lesser-known sites that offer great birding with fewer crowds. Timing is everything, and we’ve planned this trip around weekdays and early mornings, when trails are quieter, and bird activity is high. With a small group and a flexible itinerary, we’ll be able to move with the rhythm of migration—whether that means soaking in a wave of warblers or lingering for woodcock displays at dusk. Expect intimate looks at a wide diversity of species, including tanagers, orioles, vireos, thrushes, and up to 30 or more warbler species over the course of the trip.

Northern Ohio in spring is simply unforgettable. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, the chance to see these vibrant birds just feet away, often right at eye level, is something every birder should experience. Join Reefs to Rockies for an unforgettable spring weekend in Ohio, the heart of it all!

 

 

ABOUT YOUR GUIDE: Kyle Carlsen from Reefs to Rockies is excited to lead this spring expedition to northern Ohio. He grew up in Ohio, where frequent visits to Magee Marsh and nearby wildlife areas sparked his lifelong passion for birding.

Kyle has a strong background in avian research and conservation, with published work in journals, books, and magazines. His travels across the Americas and beyond have deepened his expertise in diverse ecosystems. Kyle’s engaging style and deep knowledge make every journey both educational and inspiring.

 

 

ITINERARY

Day 1 (Wednesday, May 6): Cleveland to Toledo. Welcome to Ohio! Upon your arrival at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), you’ll enjoy a scenic transfer along the southern shore of Lake Erie to the city of Oregon, just outside Toledo. This evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner, an opportunity to get to know one another and set the stage for an unforgettable adventure in northern Ohio.

Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Toledo-Oregon
Meals: Dinner

Estimated drive time from airport to Oregon: 1.5 hours

Trip starts and ends at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE).

Days 2-4 (Thursday, May 7 – Saturday, May 9): Magee and Beyond. Get ready for three immersive days of birding the wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands of northern Ohio during the peak of spring migration. Thanks to its unique location along Lake Erie and diverse habitats, this region attracts a wide variety of birds in the spring and summer. The stars of the show are the warblers—nearly every eastern species is possible, and we anticipate seeing and hearing at least 25 different species!

Each day’s itinerary will remain flexible based on current weather conditions and migration activity. Our first full morning will likely be spent exploring the famous Magee Marsh boardwalk, renowned for its up-close views of warblers and other migrating songbirds. Additional sites throughout the region—each within about an hour’s drive—will round out our daily experience.

One evening, we’ll offer an optional outing to look for displaying American woodcocks. These twilight performances are a seasonal highlight, featuring the males’ dramatic aerial displays and distinctive peent calls.

Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Toledo-Oregon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Estimated drive times between hotel and birding sites: 20-40 minutes

Day 5 (Sunday, May 10): Departure. Enjoy a final morning at one or two nearby sites before returning to Cleveland for your journey home.

Meals: Breakfast

 

 

 

 

DETAILS

Price: $2250* per person based on two people sharing a double occupancy room. Add $375* if you prefer a private, single occupancy room.

Inclusions: Accommodations; driver/guide – Kyle Carlsen; transportation in a Ford Transit van or similar; daily guiding; gratuities; entrance fees; and meals as listed. A donation to a bird conservation organization will be made on behalf of all participants.

Exclusions: flights, travel insurance, optional gratuities for hotel staff, and activities not listed in the itinerary.

*Reflects payment by check or ACH. Credit card fees assessed at time of payment. If you are a solo traveler that prefers to share a room, we’ll do our best to pair you. If we are unable to find a roommate for you, the private room supplement will apply.

Group Size: Min 5 and max 8 participants + Kyle Carlsen. We are known for having smaller group sizes with a better participant to guide ratio than most companies offering similar itineraries.

A Note About Gratuities – Your trip cost includes gratuities for your guide, as well as at restaurants for included meals. This allows us to reliably and equitably compensate everyone working so hard to keep you happy, healthy, and safe during your trip.

Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. When seeking out birds on foot, there will be primarily short to moderate walks on a variety of terrain, though mostly even. Most walks will be less than a mile with a total distance of up to two to three miles on a given day.

Reserve Your Spot Now!