Wetland birding habitat

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

Ohio · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Ohio, with 289 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Tundra 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

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/28/2026Howard Marsh Metropark1 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

5/28/2026Creek Bend Farm2 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

5/27/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)1 observed

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Regulus satrapa

5/27/2026Magee Marsh--Boardwalk2 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

5/26/2026Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area--Boggy Bottoms4 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

5/26/2026Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area--Boggy Bottoms1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/26/2026Tracy Road1 observed

Connecticut Warbler

Oporornis agilis

5/26/2026Ottawa NWR--Navarre Marsh (restricted access)1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/26/2026Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

35/28/2026

Wood Duck

45/28/2026

Common Gallinule

35/28/2026

Black Tern

35/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

45/28/2026

Great Egret

35/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/28/2026

American White Pelican

125/28/2026

Bald Eagle

65/28/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/28/2026

Purple Martin

205/28/2026

Barn Swallow

25/28/2026

Song Sparrow

25/28/2026

Baltimore Oriole

25/28/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

15/28/2026

Indigo Bunting

15/28/2026

House Sparrow

15/26/2026

Canada Goose

85/26/2026

Osprey

15/26/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/26/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Tundra Swan, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge?
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.