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

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

4/18/2026Metzger Marsh--Causeway Viewing Areas2 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/18/20261–93 N Howard Rd, Curtice US-OH 41.65326, -83.274581 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

4/18/2026Howard Marsh Metropark9 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

4/18/202611201–11299 Veler Rd, Martin US-OH 41.63152, -83.273142 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

234/16/2026

Trumpeter Swan

34/16/2026

Wood Duck

44/16/2026

Blue-winged Teal

24/16/2026

Gadwall

64/16/2026

Ring-necked Duck

24/16/2026

American Coot

34/16/2026

American Bittern

14/16/2026

Great Egret

44/16/2026

Bald Eagle

14/16/2026

Swamp Sparrow

24/16/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/16/2026

Killdeer

24/5/2026

American Kestrel

24/5/2026

American Robin

64/5/2026

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

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Alum Creek State Park - Beach and Alum Reservoir South

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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.