Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Walking Trail Pools

Ohio · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge - Walking Trail Pools is a productive birding destination in Ohio, with 260 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

2503/1/2026

Trumpeter Swan

623/1/2026

Tundra Swan

5143/1/2026

Gadwall

153/1/2026

American Wigeon

53/1/2026

Mallard

303/1/2026

American Black Duck

63/1/2026

Northern Pintail

83/1/2026

Green-winged Teal

303/1/2026

Canvasback

33/1/2026

Bufflehead

23/1/2026

Common Goldeneye

73/1/2026

Common Merganser

533/1/2026

Sandhill Crane

203/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1643/1/2026

American Herring Gull

103/1/2026

Bald Eagle

173/1/2026

Blue Jay

13/1/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

23/1/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/1/2026

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