Falls of the Ohio NWCA

38.27146 , -85.76441

United States of America (USA)

Falls of the Ohio National Wildlife Conservation Area (KY) along with the adjacent Falls of the Ohio State Park (IN) and Ashland Park riverfront (KY) privide some of the best bird viewing opportunities in the region. The Falls of the Ohio is a unique gathering place for hundreds of wading birds, cormorants, waterfowl, and migrants providing fantastic birding throughout the year. 

The NWCA contains a series of fossil beds along the (now human-managed) Falls of the Ohio which fluctuates water levels based off upstream rainfall and whether the floodgates above the NWCA are open or not (which fluctuates to manage these water levels). It provides a fantastic place for wading birds to gather and feed throughout the summer and lies a short distance from the Shippingport Island heronry where hundreds of wading birds breed each year. These fossil beds also attract hundreds of migrating shorebirds each year, especially in fall. 

Just upstream from the floodgates lies a relatively calm section of the Ohio River where potentially hundreds of waterfowl gather to spend the winter. Many more can be observed here during migration as well. 

Along with the wonderful Ohio River birding, Falls of the Ohio State Park (IN) contains a small woodland which is extremely well-known as a migrant trap in both spring and fall which can provide far more warblers and other migrants than its small size might suggest.

Although the site is now heavily human-managed, the Falls of the Ohio have always been a significant historical landmark for the region as a stopping point for vessels traveling along the Ohio River. The presence of these small falls is what is responsible for the location of Lousiville, Kentucky, the state's largest population center.

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 38.2715/-85.7644 (2021-02-05 18:31:59 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Falls Of The Ohio NWCA" (2021-02-05 18:31:59 )

Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-08-24 23:05:49
Falls of the Ohio National Wildlife Conservation Area (KY) along with the adjacent Falls of the Ohio State Park (IN) and Ashland Park riverfront (KY) privide some of the best bird viewing opportunities in the region. The Falls of the Ohio is a unique gathering place for hundreds of wading birds, cormorants, waterfowl, and migrants providing fantastic birding throughout the year.  The NWCA contains a series of fossil beds along the (now human-managed) Falls of the Ohio which fluctuates water levels based off upstream rainfall and whether the floodgates above the NWCA are open or not (which fluctuates to manage these water levels). It provides a fantastic place for wading birds to gather and feed throughout the summer and lies a short distance from the Shippingport Island heronry where hundreds of wading birds breed each year. These fossil beds also attract hundreds of migrating shorebirds each year, especially in fall.  Just upstream from the floodgates lies a relatively calm section of the Ohio River where potentially hundreds of waterfowl gather to spend the winter. Many more can be observed here during migration as well.  Along with the wonderful Ohio River birding, Falls of the Ohio State Park (IN) contains a small woodland which is extremely well-known as a migrant trap in both spring and fall which can provide far more warblers and other migrants than its small size might suggest. Although the site is now heavily human-managed, the Falls of the Ohio have always been a significant historical landmark for the region as a stopping point for vessels traveling along the Ohio River. The presence of these small falls is what is responsible for the location of Lousiville, Kentucky, the state's largest population center.

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria)
Redhead (Aythya americana)
Greater Scaup (Aythya marila)
Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)
Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus)
Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla)
Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla)
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)
Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia)
Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri)
Common Loon (Gavia immer)
Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum)
Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea)
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
Western Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
Great Egret (Ardea alba)
Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-24 23:18:22)

Common Loon (Gavia immer) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-24 23:18:12)

Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-24 22:22:26)

Horned Grebe (Podiceps auritus) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-24 22:22:14)

Redhead (Aythya americana) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-24 22:22:04)

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-24 22:21:56)

Greater Scaup (Aythya marila) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-24 22:21:48)

Double-crested Cormorant (Nannopterum auritum) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-24 22:21:35)

Forster's Tern (Sterna forsteri) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-24 22:21:00)

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-24 22:20:42)

Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-24 22:20:33)

Semipalmated Sandpiper (Calidris pusilla) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-24 22:20:23)

Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-24 22:20:12)

Western Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-24 22:19:33)

Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-24 22:19:25)

Great Egret (Ardea alba) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-24 22:19:13)

Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-24 22:19:05)

Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-24 22:18:55)

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-24 22:18:44)

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) was added by Eric Hope (2021-08-24 22:18:36)

  • Timing and strategy

It is possible to see interesting birds throughout the year at Falls of the Ohio but the best seasons are winter for overwintering waterfowl and gulls and late summer to early fall (August - September) for wading birds and migratory shorebirds. The adjacent Falls of the Ohio State Park (Indiana) is also a great migrant trap in spring and fall for warblers and other migrant passerines. 

To appreciate and identify the most birds, a spotting scope is neccessary. Both at the NWCA itself and the adjacent Ashland Park host hundreds of overwintering waterfowl that may be at various distances often impossible to identify (or spot easily) with binoculars alone. During fall shorebird migration, depending on water levels most shorebirds may be upwards of 1/4-mile away from the viewing platform at the state park on Goose Island. The floodgates do seasonally/temporarily close in August at which point one may access the fossil beds on the island by wading across the Ohio River directly below the gates allowing for closer viewing opportunities. 

Late summer is the best opportunity to view the highest numbers of wading birds and is the time period most likely to attract regional rarities like: yellow-crowned night-heron, snowy egret, little blue heron, and cattle egret. This time period regularly hosts triple-digits of great egrets (along with many great blue herons and black-crowned night-herons) so it's important to diligently scan through all individuals for less-common birds.

Peregrine falcons may also be seen in the area most commonly by scoping the railroad bridge above the floodgates.

It's also important to note that the entirety of the Ohio River here (and even some of the land on the northern shore, depending on water levels) is in Kentucky, but the state park (all areas on the northern shore beyond the waterline) is in Indiana so be sure to list observed species accordingly.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-08-24 23:07
It is possible to see interesting birds throughout the year at Falls of the Ohio but the best seasons are winter for overwintering waterfowl and gulls and late summer to early fall (August - September) for wading birds and migratory shorebirds. The adjacent Falls of the Ohio State Park (Indiana) is also a great migrant trap in spring and fall for warblers and other migrant passerines.  To appreciate and identify the most birds, a spotting scope is neccessary. Both at the NWCA itself and the adjacent Ashland Park host hundreds of overwintering waterfowl that may be at various distances often impossible to identify (or spot easily) with binoculars alone. During fall shorebird migration, depending on water levels most shorebirds may be upwards of 1/4-mile away from the viewing platform at the state park on Goose Island. The locks floodgates do seasonally/temporarily close in August at which point one may access the fossil beds on the island by wading across the Ohio River directly below the locks which allows gates allowing for closer viewing opportunities.  Late summer is the best opportunity to view the highest numbers of wading birds and is the time period most likely to attract regional rarities like: yellow-crowned night-heron, snowy egret, little blue heron, and cattle egret. This time period regularly hosts triple-digits of great egrets (along with many great blue herons and black-crowned night-herons) so it's important to diligently scan through all individuals for less-common birds. Peregrine falcons may also be seen in the area but are almost always seen by most commonly by scoping the railroad bridge above the locks. floodgates. It's also important to note that the entirety of the Ohio River here (and even some of the land on the northern shore, depending on water levels) is in Kentucky, but the state park (all areas on the northern shore beyond the waterline) is in Indiana so be sure to list observed species accordingly.
Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-08-24 22:23
It is possible to see interesting birds throughout the year at Falls of the Ohio but the best seasons are winter for overwintering waterfowl and gulls and late summer to early fall (August - September) for wading birds and migratory shorebirds. The adjacent Falls of the Ohio State Park (Indiana) is also a great migrant trap in spring and fall for warblers and other migrant passerines.  To appreciate and identify the most birds, a spotting scope is neccessary. Both at the NWCA itself and the adjacent Ashland Park host hundreds of overwintering waterfowl that may be at various distances often impossible to identify (or spot easily) with binoculars alone. During fall shorebird migration, depending on water levels most shorebirds may be upwards of 1/4-mile away from the viewing platform at the state park on Goose Island. The locks do seasonally/temporarily close in August at which point one may access the fossil beds on the island by wading across the Ohio River directly below the locks which allows for closer viewing opportunities.  Late summer is the best opportunity to view the highest numbers of wading birds and is the time period most likely to attract regional rarities like: yellow-crowned night-heron, snowy egret, little blue heron, and cattle egret. This time period regularly hosts triple-digits of great egrets (along with many great blue herons and black-crowned night-herons) so it's important to diligently scan through all individuals for less-common birds. Peregrine falcons may also be seen in the area but are almost always seen by scoping the railroad bridge above the locks. It's also important to note that the entirety of the Ohio River here (and even some of the land on the northern shore, depending on water levels) is in Kentucky, but the state park (all areas on the northern shore beyond the waterline) is in Indiana so be sure to list observed species accordingly.
Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-08-24 22:18
It is possible to see interesting birds throughout the year at Falls of the Ohio but the best seasons are winter for overwintering waterfowl and gulls and late summer to early fall (August - September) for wading birds and migratory shorebirds. The adjacent Falls of the Ohio State Park (Indiana) is also a great migrant trap in spring and fall for warblers and other migrant passerines.  To appreciate and identify the most birds, a spotting scope is neccessary. Both at the NWCA itself and the adjacent Ashland Park host hundreds of overwintering waterfowl that may be at various distances often impossible to identify (or spot easily) with binoculars alone. During fall shorebird migration, depending on water levels most shorebirds may be upwards of 1/4-mile away from the viewing platform at the state park on Goose Island. The locks do seasonally/temporarily close in August at which point one may access the fossil beds on the island by wading across the Ohio River directly below the locks which allows for closer viewing opportunities.  Late summer is the best opportunity to view the highest numbers of wading birds and is the time period most likely to attract regional rarities like: yellow-crowned night-heron, snowy egret, little blue heron, and cattle egret. This time period regularly hosts triple-digits of great egrets (along with many great blue herons and black-crowned night-herons) so it's important to diligently scan through all individuals for less-common birds. Peregrine falcons may also be seen in the area but are almost always seen by scoping the railroad bridge above the locks. It's also important to note that the entirety of the Ohio River here (and even some of the land on the northern shore, depending on water levels) is in Kentucky, but the state park (all areas on the northern shore beyond the waterline) is in Indiana so be sure to list observed species accordingly.
Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-08-24 22:11
It is possible to see interesting birds throughout the year at Falls of the Ohio but the best seasons are winter for overwintering waterfowl and gulls and late summer to early fall (August - September) for wading birds and migratory shorebirds. The adjacent Falls of the Ohio State Park (Indiana) is also a great migrant trap in spring and fall for warblers and other migrant passerines.  To appreciate and identify the most birds, a spotting scope is neccessary. Both at the NWCA itself and the adjacent Ashland Park host hundreds of overwintering waterfowl that may be at various distances often impossible to identify (or spot easily) with binoculars alone. During fall shorebird migration, depending on water levels most shorebirds may be upwards of 1/4-mile away from the viewing platform at the state park. park on Goose Island. The locks do seasonally/temporarily close in August at which point one may access the fossil beds on the island by wading across the Ohio River directly below the locks which allows for closer viewing opportunities.  Late summer is the best opportunity to view the highest numbers of wading birds and is the time period most likely to attract regional rarities like: yellow-crowned night-heron, snowy egret, little blue heron, and cattle egret. This time period regularly hosts triple-digits of great egrets (along with many great blue herons and black-crowned night-herons) so it's important to diligently scan through all individuals for less-common birds. It's also important to note that the entirety of the Ohio River here (and even some of the land on the northern shore, depending on water levels) is in Kentucky, but the state park (all areas on the northern shore beyond the waterline) is in Indiana so be sure to list observed species accordingly.
Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-08-24 21:54
It is possible to see interesting birds throughout the year at Falls of the Ohio but the best seasons are winter for overwintering waterfowl and gulls and late summer to early fall (August - September) for wading birds and migratory shorebirds. The adjacent Falls of the Ohio State Park (Indiana) is also a great migrant trap in spring and fall for warblers and other migrant passerines.  To appreciate and identify the most birds, a spotting scope is neccessary. Both at the NWCA itself and the adjacent Ashland Park host hundreds of overwintering waterfowl that may be at various distances often impossible to identify (or spot easily) with binoculars alone. During fall shorebird migration, depending on water levels most shorebirds may be upwards of 1/4-mile away from the viewing platform at the state park. The locks do seasonally/temporarily close in August at which point one may access the fossil beds by wading across the Ohio River directly below the locks which allows for closer viewing opportunities.  Late summer is the best opportunity to view the highest numbers of wading birds and is the time period most likely to attract regional rarities like: yellow-crowned night-heron, snowy egret, little blue heron, and cattle egret. This time period regularly hosts triple-digits of great egrets (along with many great blue herons and black-crowned night-herons) so it's important to diligently scan through all individuals for less-common birds. It's also important to note that the entirety of the Ohio River here (and even some of the land on the northern shore, depending on water levels) is in Kentucky, but the state park (all areas on the northern shore beyond the waterline) is in Indiana so be sure to list observed species accordingly.
  • How to get there

Access to the NWCA is via Falls of the Ohio State Park in Indiana.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-08-24 21:55
Access to the NWCA is via Falls of the Ohio State Park in Indiana.

Access to the NWCA is via Falls of the Ohio State Park in Indiana. The parking lot at the state park is paid ($2.00), but there are several smaller lots just to the east of the visitor center along Riverside Drive which are free to park in. To obtain Ohio River views on both side of the locks, you'll want to visit Ashland Park (just to the east) as well (free parking). You are presently able to bird the area 24 hours/day.

In addition to driving, there is also a paved bike path that follows Riverside Drive.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-08-24 23:13
Access to the NWCA is via Falls of the Ohio State Park in Indiana. The parking lot at the state park is paid ($2.00), but there are several smaller lots just to the east of the visitor center along Riverside Drive which are free to park in. To obtain Ohio River views on both side of the locks, you'll want to visit Ashland Park (just to the east) as well (free parking). You are presently able to bird the area 24 hours/day.hours/day. In addition to driving, there is also a paved bike path that follows Riverside Drive.
Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-08-24 21:59
Access to the NWCA is via Falls of the Ohio State Park in Indiana. The parking lot at the state park is paid ($2.00), but there are several smaller lots just to the east of the visitor center along Riverside Drive which are free to park in. To obtain Ohio River views on both side of the locks, you'll want to visit Ashland Park (just to the east) as well (free parking). You are presently able to bird the area 24 hours/day.
  • Other attractions

Falls of the Ohio State Park - The state park (which is in Indiana) has a series of trails through a small woodland along with an Interpretive Center. The Interpretive Center allows visitors the opportunity to learn about the historical significance of the Falls of the Ohio to the local area as well as the fossils found in the limestone beds along the river. Admission to the Interpretive Center is $9.00 for adults (ages 12+) and $7.00 for children (children under 5 free).

Fossil Beds - The NWCA has a series of limestone embankments which are exposed with low water levels that are riddled with fossils. These are for viewing only and collection is strictly prohibited. 

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-08-24 22:26
Falls of the Ohio State Park - The state park (which is in Indiana) has a series of trails through a small woodland along with an Interpretive Center. The Interpretive Center allows visitors the opportunity to learn about the historical significance of the Falls of the Ohio to the local area as well as the fossils found in the limestone beds along the river. Admission to the Interpretive Center is $9.00 for adults (ages 12+) and $7.00 for children (children under 5 free). Fossil Beds - The NWCA has a series of limestone embankments which are exposed with low water levels that are riddled with fossils. These are for viewing only and collection is strictly prohibited. 
Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-08-24 22:25
Falls of the Ohio State Park - The state park (which is in Indiana) has a series of trails through a small woodland along with an Interpretive Center. The Interpretive Center allows visitors the opportunity to learn about the historical significance of the Falls of the Ohio to the local area as well as the fossils found in the limestone beds along the river.  Admission is $9.00 for adults (ages 12+) and $7.00 for children (children under 5 free). Fossil Beds - The NWCA has a series of limestone embankments which are exposed with low water levels that are riddled with fossils. These are for viewing only and collection is strictly prohibited. 
Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-08-24 22:03
Falls of the Ohio State Park - The state park (which is in Indiana) has a series of trails through a small woodland along with an Interpretive Center. The Interpretive Center allows visitors the opportunity to learn about the historical significance of the Falls of the Ohio to the local area as well as the fossils found in the limestone beds along the river.  Fossil Beds - The NWCA has a series of limestone embankments which are exposed with low water levels that are riddled with fossils. These are for viewing only and collection is strictly prohibited. 

There is an interpretive center and restrooms at Falls of the Ohio State Park, adjacent to the NWCA.

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-08-24 22:04
There is an interpretive center and restrooms at Falls of the Ohio State Park, adjacent to the NWCA.

When listing here, please be diligent in creating lists that accurately reflect the location of the birds. Because of the Kentucky/Indiana state line's presence at this site, many birds are inaccurately listed to the incorrect state.

It's important to lock vehicles and take (or hide) any valuables you may have with you when you visit. It's unlikely issues will occur, but like most urban sites this is a necessary precaution. 

If you happen to be visiting on a day where you're able to wade across the Ohio River to access the  fossil beds on Goose Island (when the floodgates are closed), if you hear a siren going off it's important you quickly make your way back to the Indiana side of the river. This siren indicates the floodgates will be reopening and if you do not return to the state park you may become stranded. This happens with a significant delay so there isn't any reason to worry, just something to be aware of.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-08-24 23:10
When listing here, please be diligent in creating lists that accurately reflect the location of the birds. Because of the Kentucky/Indiana state line's presence at this site, many birds are inaccurately listed to the incorrect state. It's important to lock vehicles and take (or hide) any valuables you may have with you when you visit. It's unlikely issues will occur, but like most urban sites this is a necessary precaution.  If you happen to be visiting on a day where you're able to wade across the Ohio River to access the  fossil beds on Goose Island (when the floodgates are closed), if you hear a siren going off it's important you quickly make your way back to the Indiana side of the river. This siren indicates the floodgates will be reopening and if you do not return to the state park you may become stranded. This happens with a significant delay so there isn't any reason to worry, just something to be aware of.
Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-08-24 23:08
It's important to lock vehicles and take (or hide) any valuables you may have with you when you visit. It's unlikely issues will occur, but like most urban sites this is a necessary precaution.  If you happen to be visiting on a day where you're able to wade across the Ohio River to access the  fossil beds on Goose Island (when the locks floodgates are closed), if you hear a siren going off it's important you quickly make your way back to the Indiana side of the river. This siren indicates the locks floodgates will be reopening and if you may do not return to the state park you may become stranded. This happens with a significant delay so there isn't any reason to worry, just something to be aware of.
Edited by Eric Hope on 2021-08-24 22:10
It's important to lock vehicles and take (or hide) any valuables you may have with you when you visit. It's unlikely issues will occur, but like most urban sites this is a necessary precaution.  If you happen to be visiting on a day where you're able to wade across the Ohio River to access the  fossil beds on Goose Island (when the locks are closed), if you hear a siren going off it's important you quickly make your way back to the Indiana side of the river. This siren indicates the locks will be reopening and you may become stranded. This happens with a significant delay so there isn't any reason to worry, just something to be aware of.
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Falls of the Ohio NWCA - Orniverse