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

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

5/30/2026Howard Marsh Metropark8 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

5/30/2026Ottawa NWR--Visitor Center and Boardwalk1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/30/2026Creek Bend Farm1 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

5/29/20265005 Fremont Pike, Perrysburg, Ohio, US (41.503, -83.493)

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

5/29/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/29/2026Metzger Marsh--Woodlot1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

555/30/2026

Trumpeter Swan

605/30/2026

Mallard

15/30/2026

American Herring Gull

15/30/2026

Black Tern

45/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

55/30/2026

Great Egret

155/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/30/2026

American White Pelican

55/30/2026

Osprey

35/30/2026

Bald Eagle

65/30/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/30/2026

Tree Swallow

1505/30/2026

Purple Martin

405/30/2026

Barn Swallow

205/30/2026

Northern House Wren

25/30/2026

Carolina Wren

25/30/2026

European Starling

305/30/2026

Gray Catbird

15/30/2026

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.