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

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

7/12/2026Erie 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 Cemetery2 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

7/9/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

317/14/2026

Mourning Dove

67/14/2026

Bald Eagle

17/14/2026

Purple Martin

207/14/2026

Northern House Wren

27/14/2026

European Starling

177/14/2026

Gray Catbird

17/14/2026

American Robin

37/14/2026

House Sparrow

57/14/2026

American Goldfinch

67/14/2026

Grasshopper Sparrow

17/14/2026

Field Sparrow

77/14/2026

Vesper Sparrow

17/14/2026

Henslow's Sparrow

17/14/2026

Song Sparrow

97/14/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

17/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

307/14/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

57/14/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/14/2026

Scarlet Tanager

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.

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.