Coastal birding habitat

Big Island Wildlife Area

Ohio · Midwest

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Big Island Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Ohio, with 276 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and Wood Duck among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

4/16/2026Columbus Upground Reservoir--Retention Ponds (Delaware Co.)3 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

4/15/2026Big Island Wildlife Area--North of LaRue-Prospect Rd.4 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

4/14/2026Sheriff Dept, Marion,Ohio1 observed

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

4/14/2026Andreoff Wildlife Area - HQ1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

4/13/2026Delaware Wildlife Area--Panhandle Rd.1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/11/2026Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

504/16/2026

Trumpeter Swan

224/16/2026

Wood Duck

24/16/2026

Blue-winged Teal

124/16/2026

Northern Shoveler

164/16/2026

Gadwall

124/16/2026

American Wigeon

224/16/2026

Mallard

144/16/2026

Green-winged Teal

604/16/2026

Lesser Scaup

24/16/2026

Hooded Merganser

24/16/2026

Mourning Dove

34/16/2026

Chimney Swift

14/16/2026

Sora

14/16/2026

American Coot

804/16/2026

Sandhill Crane

24/16/2026

American Golden-Plover

34/16/2026

Killdeer

34/16/2026

Wilson's Snipe

44/16/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

164/16/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Big Island Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Big Island Wildlife Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Big Island Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Big Island Wildlife Area include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Island Wildlife Area?
Birding at Big Island Wildlife Area is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Big Island Wildlife Area?
Big Island Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.