Lake birding habitat

Ellis Lake Wetlands

Ohio · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ellis Lake Wetlands is a productive birding destination in Ohio, with 238 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Hooded Merganser 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

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

6/1/20269937 Simonson Road, Harrison, Ohio, US (39.237, -84.771)1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

6/1/2026Clear Creek Park, Cincinnati1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

6/1/2026Gilmore Ponds MetroPark (do not walk along or cross railroad tracks)2 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

6/1/2026Gilmore Ponds MetroPark (do not walk along or cross railroad tracks)2 observed

Veery

Catharus fuscescens

5/31/2026Wiley family property1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

5/31/2026Miami Whitewater Forest--Shaker Trace Wetlands1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

95/28/2026

Hooded Merganser

85/28/2026

Mourning Dove

105/28/2026

Common Nighthawk

15/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/28/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/28/2026

Northern Flicker

25/28/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/28/2026

Willow Flycatcher

25/28/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

35/28/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/28/2026

Blue Jay

25/28/2026

Carolina Chickadee

15/28/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/28/2026

Tree Swallow

105/28/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

55/28/2026

Barn Swallow

105/28/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

25/28/2026

Northern House Wren

45/28/2026

Carolina Wren

45/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Ellis Lake Wetlands for birding?
The best months to visit Ellis Lake Wetlands for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ellis Lake Wetlands?
Notable species at Ellis Lake Wetlands include Canada Goose, Mallard, Hooded Merganser, Killdeer, Red-winged Blackbird. The area supports lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ellis Lake Wetlands?
Birding at Ellis Lake Wetlands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ellis Lake Wetlands?
Ellis Lake Wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.