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Sandy Ridge Reservation
In its twelve years of existence, Sandy Ridge has accumulated an impressive roster of rarities. Unusual breeders include American and Least bitterns, Northern Harrier, Virginia Rail, Sora, Sandhill Crane, Sedge Wren, and Cerulean Warbler.
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31 - Sandy Ridge Reservation
Lorain County Metro Parks
6195 Otten Road., North Ridgeville, OH 44039
440.327.3626
Public Access
Open sunrise to sunset April through October,
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. November through March
Amenities
Hiking Trails, Restrooms, Visitors Center, Picnic Area,
Handicap Accessible Trails, Checklist Available,
Sightings Board, Binocular Rentals
GPS Coordinates
N 41° 24'11.48"; W 82° 3'0.63"
Driving Directions
Take Rt. 254 west, turn left on Case Road. Take Case
Road to Otten Road and turn left. Drive to park entrance.
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What To Look For
Sandy Ridge only opened in 1999, but its 310 acres have already become one of northern Ohio’s legendary birding areas. The site can be productive at any season, but it is especially known for the numbers and diversity of breeding birds. Sandy Ridge’s total list is nearly 250 species. Over 100 nesting species have thus far been recorded, including many regional rarities. Wooded areas can produce an excellent variety of songbirds in both spring and fall migration, and the wetlands often harbor lots of shorebirds in late summer and fall. At least twenty species of plovers and sandpipers have been documented. Winter brings raptors such as Northern Harrier, Rough-legged Hawk, and Short-eared Owl. Merlin and Peregrine Falcon are occasionally noted in fall migration.
An excellent trail system offers easy access to wetlands and other habitats. Updates on recent sightings are often posted at the Perry F. Johnson Wetland Center.
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Noteworthy Rarities
In its twelve years of existence, Sandy Ridge has accumulated an impressive roster of rarities. Unusual breeders include American and Least bitterns, Northern Harrier, Virginia Rail, Sora, Sandhill Crane, Sedge Wren, and Cerulean Warbler. There are records for Cackling Goose, Eared Grebe, Little Blue Heron, and Red-necked Phalarope. |
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Natural Features
During warmer months, the wetlands are filled with huge number of dragonflies of many species. A profusion of wildflowers occurs along the woodland trails in spring, and the calls of spring peepers, western chorus frogs, and wood frogs are conspicuous sounds in April and May. |
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