a turtle swimming in a body of water

Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area

Ohio · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Ohio, with 294 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Trumpeter Swan 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

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

7/16/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)2 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/11/2026Erie Rd. and Public Beach Access5 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/11/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)2 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/11/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/10/2026Woodlawn Cemetery, Toledo2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

207/14/2026

Blue-winged Teal

27/14/2026

Mallard

17/14/2026

Mourning Dove

17/14/2026

Sandhill Crane

37/14/2026

Black-necked Stilt

47/14/2026

Killdeer

17/14/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

17/14/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/14/2026

Ring-billed Gull

47/14/2026

American Herring Gull

17/14/2026

Caspian Tern

17/14/2026

Common Tern

67/14/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/14/2026

Snowy Egret

17/14/2026

Great Egret

57/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/14/2026

Osprey

17/14/2026

Bald Eagle

17/14/2026

Blue Jay

17/14/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Trumpeter Swan, Tundra Swan, Gadwall, American Woodcock, Wood Duck, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Canvasback, Redhead. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area?
Birding at Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area?
There is no entrance fee at Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area?
Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.