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

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

4/16/2026Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area2 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/16/2026Ottawa NWR--Two Rivers Unit, West Portage River South Rd.1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/16/2026Bay View Park1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/15/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)3 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

4/15/2026Creek Bend Farm1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/15/2026Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/14/2026Waterway Road1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

4/14/2026Elliston Rd. @ Veler Rd.1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/13/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

4/13/2026Magee Marsh--Entrance Road4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/16/2026

Mourning Dove

24/16/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/16/2026

American Crow

14/16/2026

Tree Swallow

54/16/2026

Purple Martin

14/16/2026

American Robin

54/16/2026

American Goldfinch

34/16/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

84/16/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/16/2026

Lesser Scaup

4/16/2026

Trumpeter Swan

4/16/2026

Blue-winged Teal

4/16/2026

Northern Shoveler

4/16/2026

Ring-necked Duck

4/16/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

4/16/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

4/16/2026

Wood Duck

54/16/2026

Gadwall

604/16/2026

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.