Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge

Ohio · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Ohio, with 289 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Tundra 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

193/1/2026

Trumpeter Swan

93/1/2026

Tundra Swan

393/1/2026

Ring-necked Duck

13/1/2026

Lesser Scaup

63/1/2026

Common Merganser

33/1/2026

Mourning Dove

23/1/2026

Sandhill Crane

63/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

243/1/2026

American Herring Gull

123/1/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

13/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

23/1/2026

Bald Eagle

153/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/1/2026

American Kestrel

23/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

22/27/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/27/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

12/27/2026

Blue Jay

52/27/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Tundra Swan, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge?
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.