Birding at Old Woman Creek State Nature Preserve

General Information

Address

2514 Cleveland Rd E, Huron, OH 44839

County/Counties

Erie

DeLorme Page Number and Coordinates

(7th Edition and earlier) p. 39, A5

Nearest Town or City

Huron, Ohio.

Directions from Nearest Town or City

Off U.S. Route 6, on the eastern edge of the city of Huron.

About Old Woman Creek State Nature Preserve

This 571-acre site is a state nature preserve, and is also part of the National Estuarine Reserve system. The centerpiece of the preserve is the estuary, which is really the widened mouth of Old Woman Creek where it meets Lake Erie. There is a barrier beach along the lake, marshes, and swamp and upland woods.

 

An outstanding visitor’s center is on site, and numerous research projects are conducted at this site. Birding can be fantastic; over 300 species have been recorded here or in the immediate vicinity. There is an active Bald Eagle nest, and a good variety and numbers of waterfowl use the estuary seasonally. Shorebird numbers and diversity can be good along the beach, and migrating songbirds sometimes stop in large numbers in the wooded habitats.

Visiting Information

Closed hours/season

The preserve is open year round, 8 am to 5 pm daily. The visitor’s center is open seasonally.

Parking Areas

There is a paved parking lot at the visitor’s center, which allows easy access to the area.

Fees/Permits

None.

Restroom Facilities

Available at visitor’s center.

Harmful Insects, Poisonous Plants, or Animals

Poison Ivy.

Restaurants in the Area

Many options in nearby Huron.

Other Birding Spots in the Area

Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve, Huron Municipal Pier, Pipe Creek Wildlife Area.