Lake birding habitat

Ross Lake Wildlife Area

Ohio · Midwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ross Lake Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Ohio, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

5/31/2026Mound City Group1 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

5/23/2026Kinnikinnick Fen Nature Preserve

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/23/20261984 Tar Hollow Road, Chillicothe, Ohio, US (39.39, -82.75)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

45/30/2026

Tufted Titmouse

5/30/2026

Carolina Wren

5/30/2026

Gray Catbird

15/30/2026

American Robin

35/30/2026

House Finch

5/30/2026

Eastern Towhee

5/30/2026

Orchard Oriole

5/30/2026

Baltimore Oriole

5/30/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

25/30/2026

Common Grackle

25/30/2026

American Redstart

5/30/2026

Magnolia Warbler

5/30/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

5/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

25/30/2026

Wood Duck

65/20/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

25/20/2026

Chimney Swift

35/20/2026

Black Vulture

15/20/2026

Belted Kingfisher

15/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Ross Lake Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Ross Lake Wildlife Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ross Lake Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Ross Lake Wildlife Area include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ross Lake Wildlife Area?
Birding at Ross Lake Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ross Lake Wildlife Area?
Ross Lake Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.