Western Lake Erie Marshes Loop

The vast marshlands that buffer extensive areas of the Lake Erie shore are a cradle of biodiversity. This globally significant region stretches from Toledo to Sandusky Bay and is the most heavily birded part of Ohio.

Common Moorhen Ashtabula Loop Cleveland Area Loop Huron & Lorain Loop Sandusky Bay Loop Lake Erie Islands Loop Western Lake Erie Marshes Loop Oak Openings Loop Common Moorhen




On the second Saturday in May, which is International Migratory Bird Day, as many as 10,000 birders from all over the country and beyond will be in the area. While great swaths of the original marshes have been destroyed, huge tracts have been protected as wildlife areas or as part of the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. The total species list for this loop is 350, and eleven of these species have been found only in this region.