Ellis Lake Wetlands

Ohio · Midwest

Habitat
Lake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/1/2026Cincinnati Zoological Gardens (please do not report the ducks)1 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

2/28/2026Fernald Preserve (Hamilton Co.)7 observed

Great Egret

Ardea alba

2/28/2026Bortz Family Nature Preserve1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

2/27/2026Gilmore Ponds MetroPark (do not walk along or cross railroad tracks)1 observed

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

2/25/20264199 Green Arbors Ln, Cincinnati US-OH 39.29399, -84.301031 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

2/25/2026Antenen Nature Preserve MetroPark3 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

2/24/2026Voice of America MetroPark1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

2/21/2026Miami Whitewater Forest--Timberlakes and Oakleaf Trails2 observed

Fox Sparrow

Passerella iliaca

2/21/2026Otto Armleder Memorial Park--Loop Trailhead1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

2/21/2026Home1 observed

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

2/21/2026Fernald Preserve--North Woods (Butler Co.)1 observed

Field Sparrow

Spizella pusilla

2/21/2026Mitchell Memorial Forest1 observed

Fox Sparrow (Red)

Passerella iliaca

2/20/2026401–423 Caldwell Dr, Cincinnati US-OH 39.20608, -84.491401 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

352/27/2026

Mallard

22/27/2026

Hooded Merganser

22/27/2026

Killdeer

12/27/2026

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.