How To Experience The Joy Of Late Summer Bird Watching in Ohio
As summer starts to wind down, many assume bird watching takes a break until fall migration gets going. However, in Ohio, August is an ideal time to get outside with binoculars in hand. Birds are still singing, young ones are learning to fly, and the first wave of migrating birds is already moving through.
Whether you’ve been birding for years or enjoy spotting a bright red cardinal in your backyard, August gives you a chance to see something new and exciting. From wetlands and forests to wide open grasslands, Ohio is alive with bird activity—if you know where to look.
A Moment to Remember: My First Indigo Bunting
Just recently, I had one of those moments that every bird watcher—serious or casual—lives for. I spotted an Indigo Bunting for the very first time. At first, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me, but there it was, perched on a fence post, glowing like a tiny sapphire in the sunlight. My heart raced. There’s something unforgettable about seeing a bird that’s been on your “hope-to-see” list for years. Moments like that remind me why bird watching is more than just looking through binoculars—it’s about connection, wonder, and those unexpected sparks of joy.
Wetlands Welcome Shorebirds on the Move
In August, Ohio’s northern marshes and mudflats become busy rest stops for migrating shorebirds. These small, quick-moving birds are heading south after nesting in the far north. They stop in our wetlands to rest and refuel.
Where to go:
- Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (Northwest Ohio)
- Metzger and Howard Marshes near Toledo
- Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area in central Ohio
What to watch for:
- Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs
- Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers
- Short-billed Dowitchers
- Great Egrets and Green Herons
These birds often stick close to the shoreline, so bring a pair of binoculars or a spotting scope if you have one. Many wetland areas have viewing platforms or walking trails that make birding easy and enjoyable.
Forests Still Ring with Summer Song
Even though the loudest spring songs have quieted, many woodland birds are still active—especially in the early morning. Some are raising their second brood of the season, and others are starting to gather in small flocks as they get ready to migrate.
Where to go:
- Shawnee State Forest (Southern Ohio)
- Hocking Hills State Park and Zaleski State Forest
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Northeast Ohio)
What to watch for:
- Scarlet Tanagers and Wood Thrushes
- Hooded, Kentucky, and Worm-eating Warblers
- Red-eyed Vireos and Acadian Flycatchers
Walk slowly, stay quiet, and keep your ears open for calls and soft chips. The forest is full of life—you just have to pause and look closely.
Grasslands and Open Fields Buzz with Activity
Wide open spaces may seem quiet at first, but grasslands are full of birds in August. You’ll find late-nesting species still singing and others forming flocks as they prepare to head south. Watch the sky too—birds of prey are often nearby.
Where to go:
- Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area
- Fernald Preserve near Cincinnati
- Big Island Wildlife Area near Marion
What to watch for:
- Bobolinks and Dickcissels
- Eastern Meadowlarks
- Northern Harriers and American Kestrels
- Swallows gathering and swooping low over the fields at dusk
Bring a camp chair, sit still, and let the birds come to you. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see and hear activity.
August Tips for Birders of All Levels
Whether you’re birding with a notebook, an app, or just your eyes, these tips can help make the most of your August bird watching:
- Bring bug spray and water. It’s still summer—expect heat and mosquitoes.
- Check for water levels. Muddy edges mean excellent shorebird viewing.
- Use eBird.org or the Merlin Bird ID app. They help you know what to expect and identify what you’re seeing.
- Bird early or late. Most birds are quiet and still during the hottest part of the day.
A Perfect Month to Start Birdwatching—or Keep Going
Bird watching in August is a chance to slow down and really notice what’s happening in nature. Birds are on the move, fledglings are learning the ropes, and every walk could bring a surprise. You might see a lifer, or you might just enjoy the peace of watching a chickadee hop through the trees.
So pack your binoculars, charge your phone, and head outside. The birds are waiting—and Ohio is full of places to find them.
For more information on the Indigo Bunting and all the amazing birds across Ohio and beyond, visit the National Audubon Society.
