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

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

6/2/2026Creek Bend Farm1 observed

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

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

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

6/2/2026Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area--Boggy Bottoms7 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

6/1/2026Metzger Marsh--Causeway Viewing Areas3 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

Canada Goose

346/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Barn Swallow

56/2/2026

American Robin

26/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

56/2/2026

Bald Eagle

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

55/31/2026

Purple Martin

605/31/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

25/31/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

25/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/31/2026

Northern House Wren

15/31/2026

American Goldfinch

15/31/2026

Trumpeter Swan

45/31/2026

Common Gallinule

35/31/2026

Great Egret

35/31/2026

Marsh Wren

15/31/2026

Song Sparrow

15/31/2026

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.