Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Ottawa-Lucas County Road

Ohio · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Wetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Ottawa-Lucas County Road is a productive birding destination in Ohio, with 225 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Horned Lark and Sandhill Crane 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

Great Blue Heron Red-winged Blackbird Mallard Green Heron Virginia Rail

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

7/21/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)5 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

7/21/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)2 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

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

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
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Auto Tour Route

More in Ohio

Magee Marsh Wildlife Area

The warbler capital of North America with legendary boardwalk birding on Lake Erie.

Alum Creek State Park - Alum Reservoir

Lake birding hotspot in Ohio with 211 recorded species.

Alum Creek State Park - Beach and Alum Reservoir South

Coastal birding hotspot in Ohio with 259 recorded species.

Ohio Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Ohio →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Ottawa-Lucas County Road for birding?▼

The best months to visit Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Ottawa-Lucas County Road for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Ottawa-Lucas County Road?▼

Notable species at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Ottawa-Lucas County Road include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Ottawa-Lucas County Road?▼

Birding at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Ottawa-Lucas County Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Ottawa-Lucas County Road?▼

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Ottawa-Lucas County Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.