Leader: Chad Wilson

A mown path leads from the parking lot to a packed gravel walkway through the field heading back to the ponds and a small woods. Several observation mounds and benches dot the property. During migration, many species of warblers and waterfowl visit the preserve, but the real highlights may be the breeding grassland species: grasshopper and vesper sparrows, dickcissels, and bobolinks. Vagrant rarities are always a possibility: Smith’s longspur, black-bellied whistling duck, and clay-colored sparrow have all dropped in, for a total of 202 species.
From Diana Steele, Ohio Ornithological Society

Eaton Township’s Margaret Peak Nature Preserve opened in 2009. It rapidly became known for grassland birds such as the Dickcissels, Field Sparrows, and Savannah Sparrow. Other highlights were Horned Larks, singing Indigo Buntings, Spotted Sandpipers and a family of Hooded Mergansers. Much of the preserve’s 98 acres is planted with soybeans, which provide a home for Killdeer, Spotted Sandpipers, and Horned Larks. Eaton Township has steadily added features and trails including three observation mounds and a woodland path.

Some practical suggestions: Wear a hat, as there is little shade in this preserve. Check for ticks after hiking here (some years are worse than others).