Spring bird migration is in full swing at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and birdwatchers are seeing a number of interesting birds in May.
While many species are just visiting while they rest and refuel for their journey north, yellow warblers such as the one above are a species of migratory songbird that spends the summer nesting at the refuge.
Visitors can often hear their “Sweet, Sweet, I’m so sweet” call long before spotting the yellow plumage hiding in the willows and cottonwoods along the lakeshore.
Residents are encouraged to check out the refuge and drive along the self-guided Wildlife Drive. The Visitor Center and Rookery Nature Store are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily through May 22, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Friday after that.
For a full calendar of events, visit friendsofottawanwr.org/spring-migration.html. The photograph above was taken by Roxanne Collins of Toledo.
