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

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

7/12/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)2 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/11/2026Erie Rd. and Public Beach Access5 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/11/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)2 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/11/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)1 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

7/9/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)3 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

7/8/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

127/12/2026

Killdeer

27/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/12/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/12/2026

Purple Martin

157/12/2026

Gray Catbird

17/12/2026

American Robin

17/12/2026

American Goldfinch

47/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/12/2026

Common Grackle

27/12/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/12/2026

Indigo Bunting

27/12/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/9/2026

Trumpeter Swan

27/8/2026

Mourning Dove

47/8/2026

Great Egret

17/8/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/8/2026

Northern Flicker

17/8/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

37/8/2026

Blue Jay

37/8/2026

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.