Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center and Boardwalk

Ohio · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center and Boardwalk is a productive birding destination in Ohio, with 261 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Sandhill Crane, 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Sandhill Crane

23/1/2026

Trumpeter Swan

13/1/2026

Tundra Swan

23/1/2026

Bald Eagle

13/1/2026

Great Horned Owl

33/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

23/1/2026

Mourning Dove

12/28/2026

Killdeer

12/28/2026

Blue Jay

12/28/2026

Song Sparrow

12/28/2026

Northern Cardinal

22/28/2026

Canada Goose

12/21/2026

American Tree Sparrow

42/21/2026

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 - Visitor Center and Boardwalk for birding?
The best months to visit Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center and Boardwalk for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center and Boardwalk?
Notable species at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center and Boardwalk include Sandhill Crane, Trumpeter Swan, Tundra Swan, Bald Eagle, Great Horned Owl. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center and Boardwalk?
Birding at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center and Boardwalk is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center and Boardwalk?
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center and Boardwalk offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.