Wetland birding habitat

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Walking Trail Pools

Ohio · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Walking Trail Pools is a productive birding destination in Ohio, with 260 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, 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

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

4/16/2026Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area2 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

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

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/16/2026Bay View Park1 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

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/13/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

4/13/2026Magee Marsh--Entrance Road4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Harrier

14/11/2026

Canada Goose

164/11/2026

Trumpeter Swan

64/11/2026

Blue-winged Teal

14/11/2026

Mallard

24/11/2026

Greater Scaup

14/11/2026

Lesser Scaup

80004/11/2026

Sandhill Crane

24/11/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

24/11/2026

Ring-billed Gull

134/11/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

34/11/2026

Great Blue Heron

64/11/2026

American White Pelican

54/11/2026

Bald Eagle

64/11/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/11/2026

Merlin

14/11/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/11/2026

Tree Swallow

364/11/2026

American Robin

24/11/2026

American Tree Sparrow

14/11/2026

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 - Walking Trail Pools for birding?
The best months to visit Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Walking Trail Pools for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Walking Trail Pools?
Notable species at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Walking Trail Pools include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Tundra Swan, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Walking Trail Pools?
Birding at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Walking Trail Pools is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Walking Trail Pools?
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Walking Trail Pools offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.