Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area

Ohio · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

River/RiparianWetland

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area is a productive birding destination in Ohio, with 251 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and American Wigeon 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

Canada Goose Gadwall American Wigeon Mallard American Black Duck

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

2/28/2026Arnold/Husman Farm1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

2/27/2026Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area--Headquarters Check Station3 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

2/26/2026Castalia State Fish Hatchery1 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

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

2/24/202612030 West Toussaint East Road, Oak Harbor, Ohio, US (41.567, -83.165)1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

2/23/2026Winter birds1 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

2/22/2026Ottawa NWR--Entrance Pool1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

2/21/202612713 W Portage River S Rd, Oak Harbor US-OH 41.49772, -83.177901 observed

Recent Observations

Canada Goose

Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area

2/25/2026

Gadwall

Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area

2/25/2026

40 birds

American Wigeon

Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area

2/25/2026

12 birds

Mallard

Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area

2/25/2026

150 birds

American Black Duck

Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area

2/25/2026

25 birds

Northern Pintail

Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area

2/25/2026

45 birds

Green-winged Teal

Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area

2/25/2026

11 birds

Redhead

Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area

2/25/2026

10 birds

Ring-necked Duck

Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area

2/25/2026

80 birds

Bald Eagle

Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area

2/25/2026

8 birds

Red-tailed Hawk

Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area

2/25/2026

1 birds

Birding Tips

1
Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.
2
Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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Alum Creek State Park - Alum Reservoir

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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 Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area for birding?▼

The best months to visit Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area?▼

Notable species at Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area include Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, American Black Duck. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area?▼

Birding at Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area?▼

Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.