Our late friend and noted Columbus birder Bill Whan graciously shared his Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Central Ohio. (Earlier versions covered Franklin County; this most recent version of the checklist adds the six surrounding counties.) The last update update was published on March 1, 2017. If you have an earlier version, you will want to update to this one.
The checklist is in PDF format so that you can read it online; download it to your computer, tablet, or smartphone; or print part or all of it.Â
Remember, an annotated checklist is way different than a standard field checklist. If you bird in Central Ohio, or if you just want to know what’s out there, this checklist is a must! It’s annotated, meaning that the historical record for every bird species ever seen in our area is discussed in detail. That’s over 120 pages of information! You don’t have to read it all at once; it’s a reference that you can use at home or in the field.
Wait, carry 120+ pages into the field? Sure, the checklist is in PDF format so that you can download it to your tablet or smartphone. Or you can read it on your computer at home or, if you like, print part or all of it. Check it out here.
For an independent review of the Franklin County checklist by international birder Dr Bernard Master, click here.