River/Riparian birding habitat

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Crane Creek Estuary

Ohio · Midwest

Habitat
River/RiparianEstuaryWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Crane Creek Estuary is a productive birding destination in Ohio, with 264 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and estuary habitat attracts Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, and Bufflehead 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

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/20/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

7/20/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

7/20/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/20/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)1 observed

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

7/20/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)2 observed

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

7/19/2026Home W. Velliquette Rd1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

207/20/2026

Trumpeter Swan

227/20/2026

Wood Duck

87/20/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/20/2026

Common Gallinule

27/20/2026

Sandhill Crane

227/20/2026

Killdeer

37/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/20/2026

Common Tern

27/20/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

17/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/20/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

27/20/2026

Great Egret

427/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

157/20/2026

Osprey

17/20/2026

Bald Eagle

47/20/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/20/2026

Downy Woodpecker

27/20/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

17/20/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 - Crane Creek Estuary for birding?
The best months to visit Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Crane Creek Estuary for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Crane Creek Estuary?
Notable species at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Crane Creek Estuary include Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Bufflehead, Common Merganser, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports river/riparian, estuary, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Crane Creek Estuary?
Birding at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Crane Creek Estuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Crane Creek Estuary?
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Crane Creek Estuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.