Bird Watching at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is situated along the Cuyahoga River between Akron and Cleveland in Northeast Ohio. The 32,572-acres of land is the lone national park in the state of Ohio and is among one of three parks in the Great Lakes Basin. Neighboring two large urban areas, Cuyahoga Valley stands out with its dense interconnected road system, small towns, four reservations of the Cleveland Metro Parks, eleven parks of the Summit Metro Park, and several different attractions. The area is mainly covered by deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. The park acts as a refuge for the state’s flora and fauna and offers great biodiversity in birds as well.

Major Attractions at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley differs from the rest of the National Parks by being completely integrated with its surrounding urban area. This results in many private and public attractions that invite people to visit the park each year. There is a little bit of something for everyone offers something for everyone- from hiking, golfing, historic train rides, and kayaking to snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing taking you through the marshy wetlands and mossy limestone ledges.

From over 125 miles of hiking trails within Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the path taking you to Virginia Kendall Ledges is perhaps one the most scenic ones yet. The moderate trail displays a densely forested landscape with huge limestone boulders, caves, and mossy cliffs. Some other popular trails include Buckeye Trail to Blue Hen Falls, Deer Run Trail, Furnace Run Trail, and Oak Hill and Plateau trails.

Cuyahoga Valley also offers a handful of beautiful waterfalls among which Brandywine Falls is the most appreciated one. The Towpath Trail is often used as a multipurpose biking and hiking trail too. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad runs year-round and is used by visitors to explore all the key viewpoints in the park.

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Bird Watching at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park (or CVNP in short) has been assigned as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the National Audubon Society. This Ohio park has been attracted the marvel of bird watchers from across the country and has been recognized as an ideal place to spot several species of birds.

The variety in habitat that CVNP presents has made it the home to over 200 bird species that fly around the park grounds throughout the year. Naturally, bird watching is one of CVNP’s most popular activities.

Visit the Beaver Marsh or the mixed wetland habitat between March and November to see the waterfowl migrations. These wetlands provide the ideal resting place for migrating birds. The typical mixed evergreen forest birds of Canada can be observed near the ledges of Hemlock and Mixed Ravine Forest. Solitary Vireos, Winter Wrens, Hermit Thrushes, and Black-throated Green Warblers are often seen in this area during the late spring, the best time for bird watching.
Horseshoe Pond is rich in conifer trees and provides a good home for wintering birds like the Red-breasted Nuthatches and Golden-crowned Kinglets.

10 Birds to See at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Baltimore Oriole

Baltimore Orioles have beautiful orange and black coloring. They are found in eastern North America. There has been a decline in population recently, but they are not at risk of being endangered. These Orioles make their habitat in shade trees and riverside groves. Baltimore Orioles enjoy perching in tree tops and eating insects, fruit, and nectar. They lay 4 to 5 eggs in tightly woven nests made of grapevines, string, bark, and grass. They migrate in flocks in early fall.

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadees are gray and white with a black cap. They can be found throughout North America. They are a common bird with an increasing population. These birds live in shade trees and groves. They are easy to attract to backyard feeders because they like seeds. They also like insects and berries. Black-capped Chickadees lay 6 to 8 eggs in holes they make in trees. They are not a migratory bird; however, some groups have been seen going south in the fall.

Black-throated Blue Warbler

As their name states, Black-throated Blue Warblers are a deep blue color with a black throat. They can be found in eastern North America, but spend the winter in the Caribbean. These Warblers are considered a threatened bird, since their numbers have declined. They live in hardwood forests. They feed on small insects found on the underside of leaves. Black-throated Blue Warblers lay 2 to 5 eggs, but usually 4. They build their nests about 6 feet off the ground in the fork of a tree. Black-throated Blue Warblers migrate to the Caribbean in the fall.

Blackburnian Warbler

Blackburnian Warblers are black with white patches, a yellow belly and an orange throat. You can find these birds throughout eastern North America. Sadly, their population is decreasing because the forests they make their homes in are being cut down. They make their homes in forests and woodlands. Blackburnian Warblers are found high in the tops of trees where they eat insects but mostly caterpillars. They lay about 4 eggs and when the fledglings leave the nest the parents split up to care for each of them. Blackburnian Warblers migrate over a broad area, but most migrate across the Gulf of Mexico and spend the winter in South America.

Brown Thrasher

Brown Thrashers are brown with long legs, long tails, and yellow eyes. They are the only birds in the Thrasher species that live east of Texas. They are common and widespread birds, but some decline has taken place in their population. Their habitat is in brush, shrubbery, and thickets. They are secretive birds, hiding in shrubs. Their diet includes nuts, berries, and insects. They lay 4 eggs and build their nests lower to the ground in bushes or trees. Brown Thrashers are permanent residents in the south, but the northern Brown Thrashers migrate.

Bobolink

Bobolinks have a light-yellow patch on the back of their head and a white back and black underside. They look like they are wearing a tuxedo backward! They are found in the northern and eastern regions of North America. Their population is declining and they are being watched for possible endangerment. Their habitat is in hayfields and meadows. Bobolinks enjoy eating rice, grains, and insects. They lay 5 to 6 eggs in nests hidden on the ground. Bobolinks migrate a long-distance, traveling to South America for the winter.

Carolina Wren

Carolina Wrens have a light brown body and an upward tail. They are found in the southeastern United States. Their population is stable although they have seen some decline in the north after harsh winters. They make their homes in gardens and near undergrowth. Though hard to see, Carolina Wrens sing many different loud songs. They like to eat mostly insects, some berries, and seeds. Carolina Wrens build their nests in a dome shape using twigs, leaves, animal hair, and sometimes snakeskin. They lay 5 to 6 eggs. They do not like the cold, but they do not migrate.

Eastern Bluebird

Eastern Bluebirds have a royal blue back and head. Their chest is a red-brown color. They are primarily found in the eastern United States. These birds have had a recent increase in their population with help from nest boxes. They make their homes on farms and in open country. These birds have been sited as far south as Nicaragua in Central America. They like to eat insects, berries, and fruit. They will come to a feeder if you have mealworms. Eastern Bluebirds build their nests out of grass, weeds, twigs, and sometimes feathers and animal hair. They lay 4 to 5 eggs.
Eastern Bluebirds are generally permanent residents; however, bluebirds in the north migrate in spring and fall.

Eastern Phoebe

Eastern Phoebes are brown and white songbirds. They are found throughout the eastern region of North America. Their population is stable and is not at risk of being endangered. They live near streams and woodland edges. Eastern Phoebe’s songs are usually the first sign of spring. They eat mostly insects and some berries and fruit in cooler weather. They lay 4 to 5 eggs and nest under bridges and in old buildings. Eastern Phoebes migrate in early spring and
late fall.

Indigo Bunting

Indigo Buntings cannot be missed with their all-blue body. They are found in the eastern United States. Their population is steady and in some areas, they are the most abundant songbirds. They make their homes in brushy pastures or wood edges. Indigo Buntings are sometimes called the blue canary, because of their cheerful songs. They will sing all day while looking for food. They lay 3 to 4 eggs and build their nests low to the ground. Indigo Buntings migrate south at night.

Final Thoughts

Cuyahoga Valley National Park presents endless opportunities for bird enthusiasts with its diverse habitat and accommodating facilities. The only national park in Ohio is an ornithological hub that attracts several birdwatchers and a variety of bird species each year.

Ornithology

Bird Watching Academy & Camp Subscription Boxes

At the Bird Watching Academy & Camp we help kids, youth, and adults get excited and involved in bird watching. We have several monthly subscription boxes that you can subscribe to. Our monthly subscription boxes help kids, youth, and adults learn about birds, bird watching, and bird conservation.

Bird Watching Binoculars

The most common types of bird watching binoculars for viewing birds at Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. Bird Watching Academy & Camp sells really nice 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. You can view and purchase them here.