Detailed Site Information includes site location and directions for finding the site from downtown Dayton, site description and habitat, bird species that might be found, and facilities and other information of interest to birders.
Note: Many of the Dayton-area MetroParks listed below were formerly called"Reserves", and may be referred to as such in some books, maps, and other references. However, the identifying names (Germantown, Possum Creek, Sugarcreek, etc.) have not been changed.
All sites listed are free of admission charge except Aullwood Audubon Center.
Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm
Regional nature center and working farm owned by the National Audubon Society. Contains a tall grass prairie of native grasses and extensive woodland areas. Located about 15.6 miles northwest of downtown Dayton, east of Englewood.
Caesar Creek State Park
A 10,000-acre park with a lake of almost 3000 acres. Good for waterfowl and other migrant waterbirds. Located about 23 miles southeast of downtown Dayton, east of Waynesville.
Carriage Hill MetroPark
A large park (about 1,000 acres) with extensive meadow, field, and woodland habitat, along with a working historical farm. Located 13.9 miles northeast of downtown Dayton.
Clarence J. Brown Reservoir/Buck Creek State Park
A 2000+ acre lake providing excellent habitat for migrant waterbirds. Located about 37 miles northeast of downtown Dayton, northeast of Springfield.
Creekside Reserve
This site features a small fen, a re-created wetland, and an upland prairie. Creekside Reserve is along US 35 between Fairfield Road and Factory Road and stretches along diverse wetlands. It runs parallel to The Creekside Bike Trail (also known as the "H Connector".) Creekside Reserve is about 10 miles east of downtown Dayton.
Eastwood MetroPark
Developed around Eastwood Lake, this park offers a good chance to observe migrant waterfowl, gulls, terns, and swallows, as well as a chance of finding something rare. Located 6.2 miles northeast of downtown Dayton.
Englewood MetroPark
One of the best birding sites in the area. Approximately 90% of all species seen in the Dayton area have been observed at this site. Located 15.6 miles northwest of downtown Dayton, between Englewood and Vandalia.
Germantown MetroPark
Excellent for spring warbler migration. The largest MetroPark with both mature riparian and upland woodlands combined with open fields and meadows. Located 20 miles southwest of downtown Dayton (west of Germantown.)
Grand Lake St. Mary's Fish Hatchery
Can be excellent for both waterbirds and shorebirds during migration, depending on water levels in the fish ponds. Located 65 miles north-northwest of downtown Dayton at St. Mary's.
Huffman MetroPark
Nearly 300 acres along the Mad River, with a lake, woodlands, and prairie remnants. Located 7.7 miles northeast of downtown Dayton, west of Fairborn.
Kildeer Plains Wildlife Area
Located in north central Ohio, about 92 miles north-northeast of downtown Dayton, and about 14 miles northeast of Kenton.
Phillips Park
This area of mixed habitat provides birdwatchers with great birding opportunities and is often a "hotspot" during the annual Audubon bird count. The primary habitats you will see are flood plain woodlands, wet prairies, woodland pools, scrub-shrub wetlands and the Beaver Creek. Phillips Park is about 12 miles east of downtown Dayton.
Possum Creek MetroPark
Over 500 acres of tall grass prairie, fields,and woods. Located 5.4 miles southwest of downtown Dayton.
Spring Valley Wildlife Area
Considered by many experienced birders to be the best birding spot in southwest Ohio due to a wide variety of habitats, including a lake, a marsh,and a river. Located about 21.5 miles southeast of downtown Dayton, south of the town of Spring Valley.
Sugarcreek MetroPark
Diverse woodland, riparian, and prairie habitats with a wide variety of birds and flowers, situated in a growing suburban area. Located about 12.7 miles southeast of downtown Dayton, south of Bellbrook.
Taylorsville MetroPark
A flood-control dam along the Great Miami River helped to preserve this spectacular and historical area. Birds to be found include both riparian and woodland species. Located 12.1 miles north of downtown Dayton.
For more information about the MetroParks listed above, as well as the other fine MetroParks serving the Greater Dayton Area, see Centerville-Washington Park District, Five Rivers MetroParks, Greene County Parks & Trails, Metro Parks of Butler County, Darke County Park District, Miami County Park District.
See the book "Birding in Ohio", 2nd Edition, by Tom Tomson, 1994, Indiana University Press, for information on many additional excellent birding locations in southwest Ohio.
Additional information can also be found in the book "Birds of Dayton", by the Ornithology Committee of Dayton Audubon Society, 1984, Landfall Press.