Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Ottawa-Lucas County Road

Ohio · Midwest

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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

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

6/3/2026Metzger Marsh--Causeway Viewing Areas1 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

6/3/2026Creek Bend Farm1 observed

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

6/2/2026Creek Bend Farm1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

6/2/2026Creek Bend Farm1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

6/2/2026Stange Rd (SR 2 - Krause Rd)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/1/2026Magee Marsh--Visitor Center and Trails1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

6/1/2026Ottawa NWR--Crane Creek Estuary (Lucas Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

35/31/2026

Sandhill Crane

15/31/2026

Killdeer

15/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

35/31/2026

Great Egret

35/31/2026

Bald Eagle

35/31/2026

Willow Flycatcher

25/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

65/31/2026

Northern House Wren

15/31/2026

Marsh Wren

25/31/2026

European Starling

15/31/2026

Gray Catbird

15/31/2026

Field Sparrow

25/31/2026

Song Sparrow

45/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

35/31/2026

Common Grackle

35/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

85/31/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

75/31/2026

Indigo Bunting

35/31/2026

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.