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82 - Maumee River Rapids
82A - Providence Dam
82B - Farnsworth Metropark
82C - Side Cut Metropark
Three of the best and most easily accessible birding spots on the river are described below and on the following tabs.
GPS Coordinates
Providence Dam: N 41º 24'52.08"; W 83º 51'57.05"
Farnsworth: N 41º 29'20.74"; W 83º 42'52.47"
Side Cut: N 41º 32'42.90"; W 83º 41'9.97"
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What to Look For
The great Maumee River is the largest tributary that enters Lake Erie in Ohio. It drains parts of Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio and is formed by the joining of the St. Joseph and St. Marys rivers. The Maumee confluences with Lake Erie at Toledo, and because of the river’s size, many birds use it to rest and refuel, including a number of species not normally found away from Lake Erie.
The section of river referred to as the “rapids” extends from Sidecut Metropark at the Interstate 475 bridge upstream to Providence Dam. While interesting birding opportunities exist in any month, the rapids are best during low flow periods when shorebirds stop to forage in the river, and winter when great numbers of gulls sometimes congregate. Rare gulls that are regularly recorded include Glaucous, Iceland, Lesser Black-backed, and Thayer’s gulls. There is one record of Mew Gull. Nearly all regularly occurring shorebird can be tallied, including uncommon species such as American Avocet, Marbled Godwit, and Whimbrel. Red-necked and Wilson’s phalaropes are possible, and Ruff has been recorded.
In the colder months, good numbers of waterfowl congregate in the rapids, especially divers such as Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Canvasback, both scaup, and others.
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Providence Dam
13827 U.S. Route 24
Public Access
Open daily, 7 a.m. to dark
Amenities
Trails and overlooks offering views of the Maumee River,
restrooms
GPS Coordinates
N 41º 24'52.08"; W 83º 51'57.05"
Driving Directions
Providence Metropark is located by the Providence Dam,
and is just across the river from Grand Rapids. Entry
points are along the south side of U.S. Route 24
Additional Resources
Metroparks of the Toledo Area
Ohio Ornithological Society
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Farnsworth Metropark
8505 South River Road (U.S. Route 24)
Waterville, OH 43566
Public Access
Open daily, 7 a.m. to dark
Amenities
Trails, restrooms, overlooks of the Maumee River
GPS Coordinates
N 41º 29'20.74"; W 83º 42'52.47"
Driving Directions
Along the south side of U.S. Route 24 between
Waterville-Monclova and Noward roads, just west of
Waterville.
Additional Resources
Metroparks of the Toledo Area
Ohio Ornithological Society
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Side Cut Metropark
1025 West River Road, Maumee, OH 43537
Public Access
Open daily, 7 a.m. to dusk
Amenities
Visitor’s Center, Window on Wildlife, Trails, Restrooms
GPS Coordinates
N 41º 32'42.90"; W 83º 41'9.97"
Driving Directions
Various entry points to the park are off North River Road,
and West River Road, which parallels the north bank of
the Maumee River. The park is easily accessed from U.S.
Route 24 by exiting at Fallen Timbers Lane and following
signage.
Additional Resources
Metroparks of the Toledo Area
Ohio Ornithological Society
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