Birding at Huron River Flats

General Information

Address

Huron, Ohio

County/Counties

Erie

DeLorme Page Number and Coordinates

(7th Edition and earlier) Page 39, A-5

Nearest Town or City

Just south of Huron, Ohio.

Directions from Nearest Town or City

The best viewing site can be reached by taking US Rte 6 east of midtown in Huron across the river. Watch for a sign for River Road on the right soon after the bridge, and turn right there. About a mile ahead, a wide area in the river will appear on the right hand, with railroad tracks intervening. Find a safe place to pull over—the best place is just before you reach the massive Rte 2 bridge—and park. Walk to a good viewing point of the shallows and mudflats and brushy islands in the riverbed.

About Huron River Flats

The Huron River is especially broad and shallow here, with brushy islands, mudflats, and shallows on either side of the large bridge conveying Rte 2 over the river. In winter and migrations, when the river is not too high, it is very attractive to birds, especially shorebirds and roosting gulls.

Visiting Information

Closed hours/season

Open all year during daylight hours.

Parking Areas

None. Just pull off the road, carefully, before the massive SR 2 bridge.

Fees/Permits

None.

Restroom Facilities

None.

Special Note

The railroad tracks take a sharp turn here, and make it difficult to see trains coming in time, and difficult for them to see you: do NOT stand on or near the railroad tracks.

Restaurants in the Area

Restaurants are plentiful in the shopping center reached by taking a right turn back at US 6.

Other Useful Information

Unfortunately, distances are great here, and a good scope is necessary. Morning light is best; after noon viewing becomes increasingly difficult. This is not a major birding destination, but can be a good stop between more important venues.

Other Birding Spots in the Area

Sheldon’s Marsh, Huron Pier, Old Woman’s Creek Sanctuary.