By 1812Blockhouse
This is the first in a two-part series on winter birdwatching in Richland County. Today’s story explores the range of birds that make the county an unexpectedly rewarding place to observe wildlife in the colder months. The second installment will focus on bald eagle activity and sightings across the region this winter.
Winter in Richland County has a way of muting the landscape. Leaves are gone, fields turn pale and open, and the sound of traffic seems sharper in the cold air. At first glance, it can feel like nature has pressed pause.
For those who slow down and look closely, winter is when some of the county’s most interesting wildlife becomes easier to see than at any other time of year. Without foliage to hide them and with food harder to find, birds reveal themselves in ways they simply do not during warmer months. Backyards, frozen lakes, and open fields become stages for a seasonal performance that many residents pass by without realizing it is happening.
The small flocks under the feeder
If you have ever noticed a cluster of small gray birds hopping under a feeder after a snowfall, you have likely met the Dark-eyed Junco. Often called “snowbirds,” they arrive in noticeable numbers when the weather turns cold. They do not perch and pose like cardinals or blue jays. Instead, they move constantly, pecking at scattered seeds on the ground. When they fly, the flash of white on the outer edges of their tails is the giveaway.
On a quiet morning after fresh snow, a yard with juncos can feel almost animated. They are rarely alone, and their constant motion brings life to an otherwise still scene.
Owls over the fields
Winter also belongs to the owls. The Short-eared Owl is a particular favorite because, unlike most owls, it often hunts during the day. In open grasslands and marshy areas, you may see one flying low with a slow, buoyant motion that looks more like a moth than a bird of prey. Screech Owls are less visible but more vocal this time of year as they establish territories. Their calls carry farther in the crisp air. Even if you never see one, you may hear it during a quiet winter evening.
A visitor from the Arctic
The Snowy Owl does not appear every year, but when it does, word travels quickly through local birding circles. With bright white plumage and yellow eyes, it is unmistakable. Snowy owls prefer open fields where they can perch low and scan for prey. They are birds of the tundra, and seeing one against an Ohio winter landscape feels almost surreal. They are reminders that winter connects Richland County to a much larger migratory story stretching far beyond the region.
Swans on open water
Where lakes and marshes remain unfrozen, Tundra Swans sometimes gather, often alongside larger Trumpeter Swans. They are quieter birds, often floating in loose groups. The small yellow spot near the bill helps distinguish them from their cousins. On a gray winter day, a group of swans on open water can feel almost serene, like a painting come to life.
Where to look
Pleasant Hill Lake is a reliable location for winter bird activity, especially for waterfowl and juncos. Local parks and nature preserves also offer excellent habitat, particularly areas with a mix of woods, fields, and water. Backyards should not be overlooked. A simple feeder can attract juncos, woodpeckers, pine siskins, and purple finches, turning a kitchen window into a front-row seat.
When to go
From sunrise until about 10:00 AM, birds are focused on finding food after the long night, making this the most active window of the day for songbirds. Activity often increases again in the mid to late afternoon as birds feed before settling in for the night.
On especially cold days, activity may shift closer to noon when temperatures are slightly warmer. For those hoping to photograph birds, having the sun at your back or overhead makes a noticeable difference.
Winter birdwatching changes how you experience the season. What once looked like empty woods becomes a place to scan carefully. A quiet field becomes a place to watch the horizon. A frozen lake becomes a gathering point for life.
Events like the Christmas Bird Count and other community science projects rely on ordinary people paying attention to what they see. In Richland County, winter is not a dormant season. It is simply a quieter one, waiting for those willing to look and listen.
