The Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is expanding wildlife observation opportunities for birdwatchers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Over the coming months the refuge will be working to improve the visitor experience by enhancing wildlife viewing opportunities through expanded auto tour dates and time, developing new and improving existing trails, overlooks, and other public use facilities. The Refuge Auto Tour has been a place where such rarities as Vermillion Flycatcher, White Ibis, Ruff, and others unique species have shown up over the years. The auto tour is a 7 mile self-guided route through wetlands, prairie, and woodlands. In addition the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Association is working with various regional partners to develop two new birder friendly facilities: a new lake front trail with access from the Magee Marsh parking area and a shorebird view platform. Please stop by the refuge or check for updates on the refuge’s website and/or Facebook pages if you want more information about these two new birder friendly projects. The economic benefits of wildlife refuges to the surrounding communities are undeniable. Equally important is that refuges are home to some of the nation's most treasured, iconic and rare wildlife and habitats. They are important assets to the community, evoking a deeply meaningful sense of place connecting people to the land and our wildlife treasures. Ohio has a wealth of natural resources for all to enjoy. I have been extremely impressed with the passion and commitment of our bird conservation partners and the visiting public. I am committed to making sure all of your refuge visits are memorable, evoking a connection to Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge that will inspire you to return. I invite you all to check out the refuge on Facebook or visit our refuge website for regular updates and refuge information. The refuge website will be getting a new look in the coming months, which I hope will improve the way the refuge provides regular up-to-date information. The refuge auto tour will be open for Saturday April 14th from 8 am to 4 pm; I’m sorry for the short notice. This opening is an effort to provide our visitors an opportunity to view the spring shorebird response in a few units that have been drawn down to provide high quality migratory bird habitat. Over the last few days hundreds of greater and lesser yellowlegs, dunlin and pectoral sandpipers have been present on these mudflats. We will provide an updated report of what is being seen on the auto tour on Saturday via Facebook and other outlets. I hope some of you can make the trip to the refuge this weekend; I’ll be out there myself birding and enjoying the early spring migration. Furthermore, beginning April 21st the auto tour entrance will be moved to the visitor center parking lot. This will give refuge visitors a convenient place to stop before entering the seven mile route, thus making it easier to learn about the auto tour, find the entrance, and pick up information. Historically the auto tour has been open one day during the weekend; however, starting April 21st the refuge will expand the dates to include both Saturdays and Sundays. Therefore, whenever possible, when the auto tour is open on a Saturday, it will also be open Sunday of that same weekend. In addition to expanded weekends, the auto tour will also be open some holidays and special events. Please check our website or Facebook page for a complete list of dates. http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Ottawa/auto_tours.htm. As an added bonus the May 12 and 13 auto tour route will be open from sunrise to sunset to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day and to give birders a rare sunrise experience on the refuge. The auto tour is normally open 8 am - 4 pm with the exit gate closing at 5:30 pm. Finally, the refuge will be offering bus trips to various points of interest on both Ottawa and Cedar Point NWRs throughout the month of May. Seating is limited and you must make a reservation by calling the Visitor Center. Busses will leave from the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center parking lot at 7 am and trips will last about 3 hours. Refuge staff will be driving the bus and will gladly interpret refuge management and your wildlife experience during the tour. Please check the refuge website or Facebook page for a list of tour dates or even stop by or call the Visitor Center if you have questions. There will be a lot of activity on the refuge during May. Black Swamp Bird Observatory has some great programs planned in the Visitor Center and a host of bus trips during the Biggest Week in American Birding. In addition, the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Association will be hosting some programs and activities during International Migratory Bird Day May 12 and 13. There will be lots to do and I hope good birding to go with all the great programs and events. Please call the refuge at 419-898-0014 between 9 am and 4 pm for more information. I hope these expanded dates and times and guide interpretive tours will give you all the opportunity to enjoy Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Please feel free to contact the refuge if you have any questions or concerns or want to reserve a seat on one of the bus trips. I look forward to seeing you all during the spring migration. I’m sure it will be a memorable experience, as always. I want to Thank OOS for allowing me to provide you all this refuge update. Ohio is blessed with great bird conservation leaders from Lake Erie to the Ohio River. Good Birding, Jason ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Jason P. Lewis Refuge Manager Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge 14000 West State Route 2 Oak Harbor, OH 43449 419-898-0014 419-898-7895 Fax