Lake birding habitat

Spencer Lake Wildlife Area

Ohio · Midwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Spencer Lake Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Ohio, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Ring-necked Pheasant, Mourning Dove, and Killdeer among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/15/2026Margaret Peak Nature Preserve1 observed

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

7/13/2026Chippewa Lake Park--Birding & Bridle Trail1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

7/12/2026Black River Nature Preserve--Bluebell Valley1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

7/8/2026Brunswick Lake Peninsula1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Chimney Swift

17/8/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/8/2026

Blue Jay

17/8/2026

Gray Catbird

17/8/2026

American Robin

57/8/2026

Song Sparrow

17/8/2026

Common Yellowthroat

27/8/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

17/8/2026

Northern Cardinal

47/8/2026

Indigo Bunting

17/8/2026

Canada Goose

127/8/2026

Turkey Vulture

37/8/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/8/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

27/8/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/8/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

27/8/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/8/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

27/8/2026

Tree Swallow

37/8/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

87/8/2026

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 Spencer Lake Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Spencer Lake Wildlife Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Spencer Lake Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Spencer Lake Wildlife Area include Ring-necked Pheasant, Mourning Dove, Killdeer, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Spencer Lake Wildlife Area?
Birding at Spencer Lake Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Spencer Lake Wildlife Area?
Spencer Lake Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.