Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area

To get there: From U.S. 23 about fourteen miles northwest of Marion, turn west onto Ohio 294; continue through the village of Harpster to County Road 115, then drive south for about one mile.

Over 8,000 acres of impoundments, cropland, fields in various stages of succession, and woods are included in this valuable state wildlife area. Large numbers of Canada Geese and numerous duck species are present in early spring, late fall, and early winter. Small numbers of blue-phased Snow Geese are frequently seen from late October through November. Canada Geese and half a dozen species of ducks nest in the area. Good observation points are from atop the earthen mound south of the residence on County Road 115, and along the embankment on the north side of County Road 68. A pair of Bald Eagles has nested in the area during the past several years, and as the Ohio population increases, other individuals can be expected. Many species of shorebirds have been recorded during the spring and fall migrations when favorable habitat exists. A good-sized upground reservoir is located in the western part of the area near the village of Marseilles. This is a good place to look for migratory waterfowl and Ospreys.

During the colder half of the year, the area is famous for attracting a wonderful variety of hawks and owls. Cruise the little country roads looking for Northern Harriers, Cooper's, Red-tailed, Rough-legged Hawks, American Kestrels and, more rarely, Red-shouldered Hawks. Snowy Owls are rare winter visitors, and Short-eared Owls occur regularly, most often in the fields south and west of the headquarters building. Some years a few pairs remain to nest. Investigate stands of pine trees for Barred, Long-eared, and Northern Saw-whet Owls.

Representative summer residents are the Pied-billed Grebe; Great Blue Heron; Green-backed Heron; Canada Goose; American Black Duck; Mallard; Blue-winged Teal; Wood Duck; Turkey Vulture; Cooper's and Red-tailed hawks; Northern Harrier (scarce); American Kestrel; Ring-necked Pheasant; Sora; Killdeer; American Woodcock; Yellow-billed Cuckoo; Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl; Belted Kingfisher; Red-headed Woodpecker; Horned Lark; Tree, Northern Rough-winged, and Barn swallows; Purple Martin; Carolina Chickadee; Marsh Wren; Sedge Wren (erratic); Eastern Bluebird; Warbling Vireo; Prothonotary Warbler (scarce); Yellow Warbler; Common Yellowthroat; Scarlet Tanager; Summer Tanager (uncommon); Dickcissel (erratic); Savannah, Grasshopper, Henslow's (erratic), Vesper, Chipping, Field, and Song Sparrows, Bobolink; Orchard Oriole (uncommon), and Northern Oriole.

During winter months, Killdeer Plains is an excellent place to see flocks of Horned Larks and Snow Buntings, and smaller numbers of Lapland Longspurs.

Rare birds observed have included American White Pelican, Snowy Egret, Glossy Ibis, Mute Swan, White-fronted Goose, Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Sandhill Crane, Marbled Godwit, and Sharp-tailed Sparrow.