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

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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

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

6/1/2026Indian Hollow Reservation Trail1 observed

Least Bittern

Botaurus exilis

6/1/2026Litchfield Wetlands Nature Preserve3 observed

Lawrence's Warbler (hybrid)

Vermivora chrysoptera x cyanoptera (F2 backcross)

5/31/2026Letha House Park--Pawpaw Grove Trail1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

5/29/20268200 Camp Rd, Homerville US-OH 41.05052, -82.144781 observed

Snowy Owl

Bubo scandiacus

5/28/2026Zachary A. Weber Riverside Park1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/28/2026Camp Rd., Homerville1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

5/27/202644346–44678 Russia Rd, Elyria US-OH 41.33815, -82.185492 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

5/26/2026960–992 E Capel Rd, Grafton US-OH 41.29442, -82.015771 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

5/26/2026960–992 E Capel Rd, Grafton US-OH 41.29442, -82.015772 observed

Connecticut Warbler

Oporornis agilis

5/24/2026Buckeye Woods Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

535/31/2026

Wood Duck

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/31/2026

Killdeer

15/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

55/31/2026

Green Heron

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/31/2026

Black Vulture

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/31/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/31/2026

Belted Kingfisher

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

45/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

65/31/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

25/31/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/31/2026

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.