Spring Migration

Spring means new life here in Ohio, with brand new buds on trees, wildflowers beginning to bloom, and wildlife raising their new generations! Spring is also a time of migration- whether it is birds returning from their winter homes, or frogs and salamanders migrating from their hibernation grounds to vernal pools for breeding. All this movement makes spring a season like no other for wildlife spotting- you can see animals now that you won’t see the rest of the year! While most of the birds migrating to Ohio in the spring are here to stay through the summer, some are just passing through on their way to more northern territories! The northern parula stops by on their way either north or south to their more common breeding grounds- they breed in both Canada and the Southeastern US! Occasionally, they will settle in southern Ohio for the breeding season. The blue-headed vireo passes through each spring as they head to their breeding grounds in the northern US and Canada, and the chestnut-sided warbler waves as they head north, occasionally nesting in the very northern parts of Ohio. Head out into the forests with your binoculars to see these seasonal visitors!

Every spring, many of our native amphibians get ready for breeding! As soon as the weather becomes warm and wet enough, salamanders are joined by wood frogs, chorus frogs, and spring peepers on their journey from their winter hibernacula to the vernal pools where they will begin their breeding season. This is a great time to see these amazing animals! After sunset on days where it has been warm and rainy, head out near your creeks and wetlands to see what you find! Make sure you are careful to not disturb or step on any migrating friends- and be extra careful driving on these evenings!