YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — While the Valley is home to a collection of parks and nature preserves that make for good bird watching year-round, there are some species of birds that can only be found in Ohio during the winter.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources recommends bird enthusiasts head out now and look for interesting and uncommon birds that make their way to Ohio or are more easily spotted in the winter.
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Some of Ohio’s breeding birds migrate out of the state during the winter, but cold weather drives other species here. Dark-eyed juncos, short-eared owls, pine siskins, and purple finches are among the species that can be found in the Buckeye State during the winter. Resident birds such as cardinals, screech owls, woodpeckers, and many hawks remain in Ohio year-round.
With the nickname of snowbirds, dark-eyed juncos can be found across Ohio in natural habitats with adequate food and shelter. Juncos often forage along the ground in flocks and can easily be attracted to backyards with seed scattered on the ground. Look for white outer tail feathers that flash prominently when the birds fly to help identify this species…