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Wellington Reservoirs
Site Location Information
Address: Jones Rd., Wellington OH; (440) 647-3164
County/Counties: Lorain
DeLorme page number and letter/number coordinates: (7th Edition and earlier) 40 1C
GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 41.151111N Longitude: 82.243056W Wellington Quadrangle
Nearest town or city: Wellington
Distance and direction from nearest town/city: About 1 1/2 miles southwest of Wellington
Directions to site from nearest town/city of at least moderate size: About 20 miles west of Medina
Links to Websites
Best source of a website map for this location, and any comments
on map quality: www.dnr.state.oh.us/map.htm
Website links to general information about this site: www.dnr.state.oh.us/wildlife/Hunting/wildlifeareas/northeast/northea.htm
Site Description
Wellington Wildlife Area consists of 200 acres plus 182 acres of water; this includes the lower reservoir with 64 acres and the upground reservoir with 78 acres. The upground reservoir, which usually provides the most productive birding, is reached by taking 58 south from Wellington, turning west onto Jones Rd., then turning right onto the paved road leading to the parking lot. A drive to the top of the hill is provided for boat launches, fishing, and handicapped parking.
Birding at Wellington in spring and fall is very rewarding. Many species use this reservoir as a stopping point during migration. Great numbers of American Coots, Ruddy Ducks, and Scaups occur regularly, as well as lesser numbers of Grebes, Loons, Gulls, Geese and other waterfowl. There is always the possibility of a Long-tailed Duck. Large numbers of Turkey Vultures perch on the poles and wires during wet weather. A spotting scope is necessary for good viewing and a good tripod is a must since is often very windy at this site. The lower reservoir, just a few yards west of the entrance to the upground reservoir, is very unproductive by comparison.
Birds of Interest - Seasonal Specialties
Winter: Usually frozen unless it is a very mild winter
Spring: Ruddy Duck, Greater Scaup, Lesser Scaup, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, Horned Grebe, Common Loon, Ring-billed Gull, small numbers of other ducks
Summer: Not very productive, lots of fishing taking place
Fall: Ruddy Duck, American Coot, Common Loon, small numbers of other ducks and grebes.
General Information For This Area
Closed hours/season: Open dawn until dusk everyday
Parking Areas: Upground Reservoir-a large paved parking area at the foot of the hill, limited parking at the hilltop for handicapped
Fees/Permits: No fee or permits for birding.
Restroom Facilities: Nothing available during the best birding seasons of spring and fall
Special Notes: Always a danger of falling into the reservoir
Harmful insects, poisonous plants or animals: None in the vicinity of the upper reservoir
Restaurants in the area: In Wellington: Ponderosa, McDonald's, plus a couple of small restaurants near the town square
Other Useful Information: Dress warmly in layers during all seasons except summer. The wind
sweeping across the reservoir can be very frigid.
Other Birding Opportunities in the Area
Findley State Park just south of Jones Rd. on 58, Oberlin Reservoir northeast of Oberlin.
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