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

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

257/12/2026

Trumpeter Swan

207/12/2026

Wood Duck

27/12/2026

Common Gallinule

57/12/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

27/12/2026

Black Tern

27/12/2026

Common Tern

87/12/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

17/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

47/12/2026

Green Heron

17/12/2026

Great Egret

207/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

157/12/2026

American White Pelican

107/12/2026

Bald Eagle

17/12/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/12/2026

Eastern Kingbird

47/12/2026

Tree Swallow

57/12/2026

Purple Martin

307/12/2026

Barn Swallow

57/12/2026

Northern House Wren

17/12/2026

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.