Each month, our OOS Regional Directors are sharing their favorite birding hotspots in their respective regions – and beyond. These include some well-know destinations, specialty spots for specific species, and their own secret, treasured local patches. Have a favorite birding location? Reach out to your OOS Regional Director and let them know!
Ethan Kistler – Director-at-Large
Mosquito Lake Region
Trumbull County is an underrated county in Northeast Ohio with a lot of public land and excellent birding. In December you will find me birding around Mosquito Lake, which is the most popular birding hotspot in the county, and for good reason!
Ohio’s second largest inland lake, Mosquito Lake is just shy of 10 miles long from north to south. Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area encompasses the north end and offers excellent viewing opportunities for wintering raptors, large numbers of waterfowl, and typically hosts at least one Northern Shrike every winter.
The causeway that bisects the lake to the south offers more waterfowl viewing opportunities, Snow Buntings most winters, and the occasional Snowy Owl. At the south end of the lake, you will find Mosquito Lake State Park, which offers hiking trails and a beach area, which sometimes hosts interesting gulls.
If you’re up for a good winter hike for birding, the Turkey Run Trail on the east side of the lake is well recommended.
