Why Millions of Birds are Migrating Through Ohio Right Now

If you’ve noticed more birds singing or flying through the trees lately, you’re not imagining it. What you’re witnessing is one of nature’s biggest movements of birds, known as migration.  

Every spring, hundreds of millions of bird travel from their winter homes in the south back up north across Ohio—sometimes as many as 20 million in one night. These birds return to find more food and build nests after escaping the winter cold in more southern areas. Northern Ohio happens to be one of the best places to see hundreds of species of birds, with some stopping and others passing through. But why do so many birds travel through Ohio every spring? 

Birds migrate twice a year: once in the spring, and once in the fall. They rely on cues like changing daylight and temperature to know when it’s time to move. In the fall, most birds head to warmer climates from the southern United States all the way down to South America.  There, migratory birds face more competition for food and suitable nesting spots. Plus, they must also watch out for unfamiliar predators.  

Once the temperatures warm up in the spring, birds return north as they enter their mating season. With longer days, the birds have more time to gather materials for their nests and food for any potential young. This causes them to brave their return trip each year—journeys that can range from a few hundred miles to tens of thousands round trip.  

Spring migration begins in February and continues until mid-June; however, peak migration occurs in April and May. Many birds will travel the long distances at night. The darkness protects smaller birds from larger predators like hawks, who travel during the day, while stars in the sky act as guides for navigation. The cooler weather at night also helps prevent overheating. 

Ohio sits along two major migration routes for the overall billions of birds that are returning from South and Central America. Northern Ohio plays an important role due to its location along Lake Erie. At 241 miles long and 57 miles wide at its widest point, Lake Erie’s size acts as a barrier for birds who are returning home. It is the last stop before a long stretch of uninterrupted flight, so the birds rest and refuel along the coastline as well as nearby wetlands.  

These spots are rich in insects, seeds, berries, and other key food sources that offer important nutrients to both native and migratory birds. Native birds benefit from the temperate weather in spring and summer and build their nests in these resource-heavy areas. The coastlines also become densely populated with different species, creating hotspots for birding.  

With so many birds moving through the region, you might be wondering which species you might spot. One group you’re especially likely to notice during spring migration is warblers. Northwest Ohio along Lake Erie has been dubbed the “Warbler Capital of the World” due to the high volume of warblers that move through the region—particularly in the month of May. Warblers vary in color and grow to approximately 5 inches long. Since warblers are so small, listening for their songs can help you pinpoint them. 

While the warblers often move through wooded areas, other birds gather along the shorelines and in the wetlands. These birds, known as shorebirds, stop along places like the Lake Erie shoreline to rest and search for food. You can often recognize them by their long legs and slender bills, which help them wade through shallow water while searching for food. Shorebirds can include a variety of species such as sandpipers, dunlins, and lesser yellowlegs. 

Not all migrating birds stay hidden in trees or wade on the beaches—some soar high overhead. These birds of prey, known as raptors, include species like hawks, eagles, and falcons. Since many raptors hunt fish, Lake Erie provides many options during migration. When searching for raptors, weather makes a difference, since days with strong wind carry a high chance of producing large groups flying together.  

Now that you know when birds are passing through and some species to watch for, here are a few tips on how to spot them around Cleveland. Timing is key. Early morning offers the most activity, as migrating birds arrive overnight, and local birds wake up and begin searching for food. Don’t be afraid to bring gear or tools to help. Binoculars can make it easier to spot birds from a distance.  

Online tools can help you plan the best time to look for migrating birds. Migration trackers and forecasters—like eBird and BirdCast—show when large numbers of birds are expected to move through a region. Once you’re outside spotting them, field guides can help you identify the species you see. Many apps and websites can also identify bird calls, helping you recognize birds even when you can’t see them.  

Once you know what to listen to and look for, it’s time to figure out where to go. The Greater Cleveland area has a variety of great birding spots. Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve offers distinct habitats for its huge variety of avian visitors with woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. Wendy Park draws songbirds to the area with its 22 acres of green space and groupings of cottonwood trees. Sandy Ridge Park sees an abundance of duck species refueling before continuing their migration north.  

The Museum’s natural areas also offer the opportunity to see many local and migratory birds. Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve and North Kingsville Sand Barrens—two preserves that help make up some of the 12,500 acres under protection by the Museum—both sit on the Lake Erie Birding Trail. The Museum hosts guided hikes throughout the year, and during migration season, experienced birders can help spot and identify birds. 

Spring migration offers a rare chance to witness something much bigger than what’s happening in your own backyard. The birds moving through Northeast Ohio are part of journeys that span thousands of miles, connecting Cleveland to ecosystems across the continent. Taking a moment to watch, listen, or even just notice them can turn an ordinary walk into something memorable.