YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) -- While the Valley is home to a collection of parks and nature preserves that make for good bird watching year-round, there are some species of birds that can only be found in Ohio during the winter.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources recommends bird enthusiasts head out now and look for interesting and uncommon birds that make their way to Ohio or are more easily spotted in the winter.

Some of Ohio's breeding birds migrate out of the state during the winter, but cold weather drives other species here. Dark-eyed juncos, short-eared owls, pine siskins, and purple finches are among the species that can be found in the Buckeye State during the winter. Resident birds such as cardinals, screech owls, woodpeckers, and many hawks remain in Ohio year-round.

With the nickname of snowbirds, dark-eyed juncos can be found across Ohio in natural habitats with adequate food and shelter. Juncos often forage along the ground in flocks and can easily be attracted to backyards with seed scattered on the ground. Look for white outer tail feathers that flash prominently when the birds fly to help identify this species.

Cold weather and freezing water force many waterfowl to fly south each winter. Look for residents of the far north like tundra swans in open marshes, lakes and flooded fields, often mixed with flocks of slightly larger trumpeter swans. Diving ducks such as redheads, canvasbacks, common goldeneyes, buffleheads, mergansers, and more seek open water and can be spotted at Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area.

Many types of owls are year-round residents in Ohio, but others are only found during the winter. Look in large grasslands for short-eared owls, which can be seen at dawn and dusk flying with deep, slow, moth-like wingbeats. ODNR recommends nearby viewing at Crown City Wildlife Area, split between nearby Lawrence and Gallia counties.

Barred owls, great horned owls and eastern screech-owls can be found in Ohio's woodlands where they become more vocal in winter as they find mates and establish territories. Listen for these species at dusk in forests and watch for their silhouettes in bare trees.

Though a year-round resident, the odds of seeing a bald eagle increase in January, when they begin courtship and pair bonding. Eagles typically lay eggs and incubate in February and March, nesting in large trees such as sycamores, oaks, and cottonwoods. Frozen waterways force eagles to expand their hunting grounds, increasing the chance of a sighting outside of any known nesting areas.

In 2024, Ohio had an estimated 841 bald eagle nests. ODNR reports that Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area is an excellent area for local bald eagle viewing.

Birders can also take part in a large community science project through the annual Christmas Bird Count.