Ottawa Refugespring migration
Spring migratory birds: bird numbers and variety peak from late April to mid-May, per the Fish and Wildlife Service. This year's season is over; the next is in 2027.
Right now in Ottawa Refuge · September
- Seasonal trails open, dawn to dusk · Apr–Sep
203days to the next spring migration seasonlate April to mid-May, local timing
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Mar: Waterfowl numbers and variety peak (spring)Mar
- Seasonal trails open, dawn to duskNowApr–Sep
- Spring migratory birds: numbers and variety peak, late April to mid-MayApr–May
- Worst months for bugs in the woodsJul–Aug
- Oct: Waterfowl numbers and variety peak (fall)Oct
Where to watch
- Boardwalk LoopA 0.3-mile easy, ADA-compliant loop behind the visitor center, over wetland and through woods, open year-round from dawn to dusk; it gives excellent views of warblers
- Estuary TrailA half-mile trail west of the Magee Marsh beach on Lake Erie, through beach-ridge habitat that migrating songbirds favor in spring; reach it from the Magee Marsh parking lot, or on foot by the Pool 1 trail from April 15 to September 1
Ottawa Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ottawa NWR: Species (Seasons of Wildlife) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ottawa NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see spring migration at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge?
Spring migratory birds: bird numbers and variety peak from late April to mid-May, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: late April to mid-May. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is spring migration under way at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the spring migration season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 203 days (late April to mid-May, local timing).
Is there a fee to visit?
No, the refuge is free to visit.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ottawa NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I drive the Wildlife Drive any day?
No. The seven-mile Wildlife Drive opens only on scheduled dates, sunrise to sunset with the entrance closing an hour before sunset, so check the refuge's calendar of events before you go. On those days it reaches parts of the refuge that are otherwise closed.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ottawa NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When are the visitor center and trails open?
The visitor center is open Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed on most federal holidays. The parking lots and hiking trails are open daily from dawn to dusk; seasonal trails are open April 1 to September 15.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ottawa NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What should I bring?
Layers, even in summer: Lake Erie can make it much colder and windier here than a few miles inland. Bring water, food, binoculars, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent, and sturdy shoes, since trails other than the boardwalk are gravel or grass and sometimes muddy.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ottawa NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
My GPS says Krause Road. Is that right?
Not for the main entrance. Krause Road is three miles west; keep going east on State Route 2 past SR 579 and SR 590 to the entrance at 14000 West State Route 2, Oak Harbor.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ottawa NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge?
Boardwalk Loop: a 0.3-mile easy, ADA-compliant loop behind the visitor center, over wetland and through woods, open year-round from dawn to dusk; it gives excellent views of warblers; Estuary Trail: a half-mile trail west of the Magee Marsh beach on Lake Erie, through beach-ridge habitat that migrating songbirds favor in spring; reach it from the Magee Marsh parking lot, or on foot by the Pool 1 trail from April 15 to September 1.
What is Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Spring migratory birds: numbers and variety peak, late April to mid-May (Apr–May), Waterfowl numbers and variety peak (spring) (Mar), Waterfowl numbers and variety peak (fall) (Oct), Seasonal trails open, dawn to dusk (Apr–Sep) and Worst months for bugs in the woods (Jul–Aug).