Wetland birding habitat

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center and Boardwalk

Ohio · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center and Boardwalk is a productive birding destination in Ohio, with 261 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Sandhill Crane, 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

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/17/2026Point Place Lighthouse1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

4/17/2026Metzger Marsh--Bono Rd. Entrance2 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

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/14/2026Waterway Road1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American White Pelican

4/17/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

4/17/2026

Northern Flicker

4/17/2026

Eastern Phoebe

4/17/2026

Blue Jay

4/17/2026

Purple Martin

4/17/2026

American Robin

4/17/2026

Sandhill Crane

84/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

114/17/2026

Great Egret

24/17/2026

Bald Eagle

54/17/2026

Tree Swallow

24/17/2026

European Starling

24/17/2026

House Sparrow

44/17/2026

House Finch

14/17/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

84/17/2026

Common Grackle

54/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/17/2026

Barn Swallow

24/17/2026

Song Sparrow

14/17/2026

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 - Visitor Center and Boardwalk for birding?
The best months to visit Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center and Boardwalk for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center and Boardwalk?
Notable species at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center and Boardwalk include Sandhill Crane, Trumpeter Swan, Tundra Swan, Bald Eagle, Great Horned Owl. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center and Boardwalk?
Birding at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center and Boardwalk is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center and Boardwalk?
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center and Boardwalk offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.