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

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/17/20263721 Ohio 220, Waverly, Ohio, US (39.107, -83.051)1 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

4/16/202667 Ohio 220, Waverly, Ohio, US (39.119, -83.028)1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

4/16/2026Westfall Rd ponds (Roadside view only)4 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/14/2026Ross Hollow Trail1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/6/2026Scioto Trail SP1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/5/2026Private residence (NO public access)1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/4/2026My Home1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Blue Heron

14/4/2026

Black Vulture

14/4/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/4/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/4/2026

Blue Jay

14/4/2026

American Crow

14/4/2026

Carolina Chickadee

14/4/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/4/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

14/4/2026

Carolina Wren

14/4/2026

Brown Thrasher

24/4/2026

American Goldfinch

24/4/2026

Song Sparrow

34/4/2026

Eastern Towhee

54/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

24/4/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

14/4/2026

Northern Parula

14/4/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

14/4/2026

Yellow-throated Warbler

14/4/2026

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.