Birding at Cullen Park and Bay View Park

Cullen Park – 4500 N. Summit, Toledo, OH 43611
Although known as a boat launch park, Cullen Park has many birding opportunities.
A mile-long causeway trail begins at the northeast corner of the park. Birders will find shorebirds on both sides of the trail, as well as warblers and other perching birds in the trees along the path. There are excellent views of ducks, gulls, herons, and egrets from the causeway trail and the trail south on Summit St. leading to Bay View Park.
There are woodland areas in the NE corner of the park and at the end of the causeway on a natural island called Squadron Island.
In 2015 a new trail in the northern area of the park was created featuring vernal pools with many native plants for birds. Plants and animals are still being established in this area.

Bay View Park – 4120 N. Summit, Toledo, OH 43611
Just south of Cullen Park past the lighthouse, is a stone path that begins on your left, taking you into a wooded area with a trail loop. This 1.3 mile long path at Bay View Park, also called the “Mary and Howard Pinkley walkway”, takes you within viewing distance of an active eagle nest and oriole nests.  It then loops back along the shore of the Maumee River to the starting point near Summit Street. There is a small area with feeders near the lighthouse that attracts birds.

    There are four regular parking spots and one handicapped spot near the Point Place lighthouse and parking along Summit Street between Bay View Retirees Golf Course and Cullen Park. Do not park on the grass near the lighthouse parking lot.

You will find plenty of dining opportunities just north a few blocks along Summit St, with a number of family restaurants and a few chain restaurants. Lodging is available 2-3 miles away at I-75 and the Alexis road exit #210, where you will find 3 hotels within sight of the exit.

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Northwest Ohio Birding

Cullen Park

Map by Brian George/ODNR Office of Coastal Management