Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Ottawa-Lucas County Road

Ohio · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

Wetland

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Ottawa-Lucas County Road is a productive birding destination in Ohio, with 225 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Horned Lark and Sandhill Crane 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

Great Blue Heron Red-winged Blackbird Mallard Green Heron Virginia Rail

Live Bird Data

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

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Auto Tour Route

More in Ohio

Magee Marsh Wildlife Area

The warbler capital of North America with legendary boardwalk birding on Lake Erie.

Alum Creek State Park - Alum Reservoir

Lake birding hotspot in Ohio with 211 recorded species.

Alum Creek State Park - Beach and Alum Reservoir South

Coastal birding hotspot in Ohio with 259 recorded species.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Ottawa-Lucas County Road for birding?▼

The best months to visit Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Ottawa-Lucas County Road for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Ottawa-Lucas County Road?▼

Notable species at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Ottawa-Lucas County Road include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Ottawa-Lucas County Road?▼

Birding at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Ottawa-Lucas County Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Ottawa-Lucas County Road?▼

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Ottawa-Lucas County Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.