Delaware State Park
and Wildlife Area
Delaware, OH
This is a very interesting area to bird as it offers a variety of habitats. The area includes a large reservoir, woodlands, marshes, and grasslands.
Specialty Species:
Waterfowl: Waterfowl can be found all over this area. Many dabbling ducks and swans use Area A in the Wildlife area during migration. The lake at the state park attracts many diving ducks during the same time period.
Bobolink: This species can be found nesting in the Wildlife Area.
Sparrows: Many grassland dependent sparrows including Savannah, Vesper, and Grasshopper nest at the Wildlife Area.
Warblers: Many warblers can be found throughout the property during spring migration. The campground seems to be especially productive.
Where to Bird:
- Campground
- Beach Area
- Wildlife Area
Campground: Bird the road to the campground and the area around the campground to find many migrant passerines during spring and fall migration.
Beach Area: Check the beach for shorebirds during migration. The area around the beach is also a good place to search for migrant passerines.
Wildlife Area: Check Area A for waterfowl during the late fall and early spring. There is a dike that allows for very easy viewing of this area. There is also a parking lot overlooking the lake along Panhandle Road that is a good place to scan the lake from for diving ducks. Area G has a good grassland that has had nesting Bobolinks in the past.
Hours:
6am to 11pm
Fees:
None
Accessiblity:
Many areas can be birded from your vehicle but the trails are not handicap accessible.
Trails:
Many trail on the property.
Non-birding Equipment Needed:
- None
Lenght of Visit:
2-3 Hours more time can be spent if you choose to hike some of the trails.
Map:
Website:
Directions:
From the North: From the intersection of US-30 and US-23 in Upper Sandusky, OH, take US-23 South. After 32.95 miles, turn left (east) into the State Park. If you would like to go to the Wildlife Area first, continue 1.5 miles and turn left (east) onto Main Road/CR-213. After 1.10 miles, turn left (north) onto Panhandle Road/CR-215. The Wildlife Area begins shortly after turning onto this road.
From the South: From the intersection of I-270 and US-23, take US-23 North. If you are going to the Wildlife Area, turn right (east) onto Main Road/CR-213 after 17.7 miles. After 1.10 miles, turn left (north) onto Panhandle Road/CR-215. The Wildlife Area begins shortly after turning onto this road. If you would like to go to the State Park first, continue another 1.5 miles on SR-23 to the park entrance on the right (east).
Address:
5202 US Route 23 North
Delaware, OH 43015
Nearby Birding: