Oxbow, Inc. Field Trip

Theme: Spring Migration 

Date & Time: 7:30 AM, Sunday, April 23, 2023

Location: The Oxbow Area

Meet at the Shawnee Lookout boat ramp upper parking lot, directly across from the Shawnee Lookout Park entrance. (See directions below)

Leader: Ann Oliver, (513) 307-0929, annieobirder@yahoo.com

By the middle of April, spring will be in full swing and spring migration in general will be near peak and a diversity of avian species should be found in the Oxbow area. April in the Oxbow coincides with the spring migration of a diverse number of families of birds. Ducks, herons and egrets, shorebirds, terns & gulls, raptors including Bald Eagles, migrant and resident songbirds (including several warbler species) are all expected on this date. Our trip leader, Ann Oliver, is an exceptionally skilled birder and long-time Oxbow Inc. advocate who knows the area very well.

By April 23, spring songbird migration will be well underway so Ann will begin this trip on the east side of the Great Miami River to take advantage of the morning bird song chorus among the wooded hillsides of Shawnee Lookout Park. After some time at Shawnee Lookout, Ann plans to lead us over to the Oxbow, making a stop at the Lost Bridge area along the way. Ann will finish up the trip in the Oxbow. These three spots offer diverse habitats so we expect to find a great diversity of birds. Wildflowers will also be in bloom and many other types of wildlife are likely to be seen along the way as well. Come out and join Ann for what should be a beautiful morning in the Oxbow.

Much of this trip will be on foot, with short drives from spot to spot. Walking will be easy to moderate at a birder’s pace. This trip should end around noon. Be ready for muddy spots, especially if conditions have been wet. Binoculars are required to see small birds. Restrooms are available at Shawnee Lookout. A Great Parks Motor Vehicle Permit is required at Shawnee Lookout and can be purchased at the entrance. Daily Motor Vehicle Permits are $5 each for Hamilton County residents and $8 for non-residents at park entrance booths ($10 & $16 annual). Contact Ann with any questions.

Directions to Shawnee Lookout Park: The Shawnee Lookout boat ramp upper parking lot is directly across from the Park entrance. Shawnee Lookout is located at 2008 Lawrenceburg Rd. North Bend, Ohio. Take I-275 to the Kilby Road Exit # 21, and then right onto Kilby Road. After about 1 mile turn right at the stop light onto US 50. On US 50 go about 2 miles to the stop light at Lawrenceburg Road and turn left. Follow Lawrenceburg Road to the stop sign at the end of the Great Miami Bridge (Lost Bridge), turn right and go about 1.5 miles to the park entrance which is on the left. The upper boat ramp parking lot is on the right, across from the Park entrance.