Spring Valley State Wildlife Area

To get there: In Warren County, take U.S. 42 two and a half miles south of the village of Spring Valley, turn east on Roxanna-New Burlington Road, go 1.4 miles to Pence Jones Road; follow the signs to the north and south parking lots.

Consistently one of southwest Ohio's best birding spots, this superb area managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is located on the county line between Greene and Warren counties. It includes a 150-acre lake and marsh with overgrown channels, underbrush, fields and an upland woods. A boardwalk, which is entered from the north parking lot, crosses the north end of the marsh. and is accessible during the spring and summer. Wide trails circle the lake passing through a variety of habitats. The marshy and wet areas provide a haven for the rare Massasauga Rattlesnake.

Grebes, geese, and all the common ducks can be seen here in good numbers during migrations. Rarely, loons and swans may be spotted as well. When water levels are low, the area can be excellent for shorebirds.

Nesting species include the Pied-billed Grebe, Least Bittern, Green-backed Heron, Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Mallard, Blue-winged Teal (rare), Hooded Merganser (rare), Virginia Rail, Sora, Common Moorhen, American Coot, American Woodcock, Eastern Screech-Owl, Great Horned and Barred owls, Belted Kingfisher, Red-headed, Red-bellied, and Pileated woodpeckers, Eastern Kingbird, Willow Flycatcher, Tree Swallow, Marsh Wren, Brown Thrasher, White-eyed, Yellow-throated, and Warbling vireos, (the latter along the old railroad right-of-way), Yellow Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler (rare), Common Yellowthroat, Rose-breasted Grosbeak (rare), Orchard (uncommon) and Northern orioles. Ospreys are sometimes seen in the summer.

American Bitterns are sometimes found along the boardwalk during the spring. Swamp Sparrows and Rusty Blackbirds occur during spring and fall migrations. Winter brings Purple Finches and Pine Siskins, in addition to White-throated and White-crowned sparrows. Common Snipe are also found during some winters.

In March and early April, migrant Fox Sparrows like the hedgerows near the upper parking lot. Chimney Swifts and all of the swallows that occur in Ohio may be found in good numbers skimmng the lake. Kinglets, Yellow-rumped and Palm warblers are followed by wave after wave of other warblers and passerines through late April and May. Northern Waterthrushes and Lincoln's Sparrows find lots of suitable habitat.

More than 230 species have been seen at Spring Valley Wildlife Area. Species that can sometimes be found include Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned, Cooper's, and Red-shouldered hawks, Black Tern, Short-eared Owl, Olive-sided and Alder flycatchers, American Pipit, Worm-eating, Connecticut, and Mourning warblers, and Savannah Sparrow.

Rarities have included Red-necked Grebe, Little Blue Heron, Cattle egret, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, White Ibis, Mute Swan, Greater White-fronted Goose, Snow Goose, Oldsquaw, Black Vulture, Golden Eagle, Merlin, Yellow, Black and King rails, Purple Gallinule, Sandhill Crane, Willet, Baird's Sandpiper, Wilson's Phalarope, Sedge Wren, Clay-colored Sparrow, and Brewer's Blackbird.