Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area

Ohio · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Ohio, with 294 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Trumpeter 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

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/1/2026Erie SGA--Bay Creek Rd.1 observed

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

3/1/2026Ottawa NWR--Visitor Center and Boardwalk1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

2/28/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)50 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

2/28/2026Arnold/Husman Farm1 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

2/27/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

2/27/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

2/27/2026Erie Marsh Preserve/Gun Club (no access Sep 1-Jan 1)1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose (Western)

Anser albifrons

2/27/2026Cedar Point NWR (restricted access)154 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

2/25/202612713 W Portage River S Rd, Oak Harbor US-OH 41.49779, -83.177881 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

2/24/2026Carroll, N Toussaint-Portage1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

143/4/2026

Mute Swan

83/4/2026

Trumpeter Swan

1503/4/2026

Tundra Swan

8003/4/2026

Gadwall

83/4/2026

American Wigeon

483/4/2026

Mallard

203/4/2026

American Black Duck

13/4/2026

Northern Pintail

11533/4/2026

Canvasback

453/4/2026

Redhead

1503/4/2026

Ring-necked Duck

1213/4/2026

Greater Scaup

93/4/2026

Lesser Scaup

2723/4/2026

Bufflehead

173/4/2026

Common Goldeneye

843/4/2026

Hooded Merganser

103/4/2026

Common Merganser

1193/4/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

23/4/2026

Sandhill Crane

83/4/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area for birding?
The best months to visit Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area?
Notable species at Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Trumpeter Swan, Tundra Swan, Gadwall, American Woodcock, Wood Duck, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Canvasback, Redhead. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area?
Birding at Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area?
There is no entrance fee at Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area?
Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.