| Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) | |
.jpg) A sandhill crane at the refuge | |
  Map of the United States  Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (Ohio) | |
| Location | Lucas, Ottawa counties, Ohio, United States |
| Nearest city | Port Clinton, Ohio |
| Coordinates | 41°36′56″N 83°12′58″W / 41.6156°N 83.21603°W[1] |
| Area | 6,857.91 acres (27.7530 km2)[2] |
| Established | 1961 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge |
Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is a National Wildlife Refuge of the United States, which is located in the state of Ohio. This refuge was established in 1961, under the Migratory Bird Conservation Act, the purpose of the refuge being created was “… for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds.” 16 U.S.C. 715d. This refuge provides ideal habitat for a wide range for migratory birds and waterfowl, along with the native wildlife, and any endangered and threatened species. The property of the refuge was purchased from hunt clubs and farmlands with the Federal Duck Stamps.
The refuge, itself is about 7,000 acres (28 km2). This region has historically been important to fish, migratory waterfowl, songbirds, and shorebirds. Large numbers of migrating songbirds stop in the area to rest during their spring migration. The refuge is an attraction for birdwatching enthusiasts. Ottawa has the ideal habitat for birds that are coming through the area during migration season. Which makes it a great place for those who enjoy birdwatching it is also a great place for birdwatching even when not during migration season. It is also home to several bald eagles. This wildlife refuge has been designated as a site of regional significance in the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. In 2002, Birder's World readers voted the refuge as one of their Top 15 favorite spots to see birds, and the American Bird Conservancy has identified the refuge as an Important Bird Area.
- ^ "Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
- ^ "Table 3. National Wildlife Refuges - Acres by State and Unit" (PDF). US Fish and Wildlife Service. Retrieved 7 September 2016.