The Oxbow
Lawrenceburg, IN
The Oxbow is located near Lawrenceburg, IN and is in the flood plains of the Ohio and Little Miami Rivers.
Specialty Species:
Black-crowned Night-Heron: These birds tend to congregate around Juno Pond.
Shorebirds: Shorebirds can be present when conditions permit and mudflats are exposed
Waterfowl: Large concentrations of waterfowl are here in the winter, especially when the Ohio River floods
Where to Bird:
- Juno Pond
- Oxbow Lake
- Mercer Pond
- Osprey Lake
- Jackpot Pond
Juno Pond: This is typically the first pond you see when entering the Oxbow. It can be great for herons, egrets, shorebirds and ducks.
Oxbow Lake: The biggest of the lakes in the Oxbow, herons and egrets are plentiful along with cormorants and ducks. If the water is low enough in the spring and fall, mudflats are exposed creating great shorebird habitat. When you are parked in the Oxbow Lake overlook area, look to the south end of the lake, if the water does into the cattails, there is no shorebird habitat. If there are mudflats exposed, you will have to drive 0.6 mile to another parking area. The parking area is hard to notice is located where the road curves to the right. Follow the trail through the woods and down into the floodplain. Once in the floodplain, head north towards the pond. Once you have scoped the area for shorebirds, return to your car via the way you entered.
Mercer Pond: This pond is located the farthest from the road. Park near Juno Pond and walk down the path straight in front of your car. When you get to the farm field, follow the path to the right. After ¼ mile, turn left and walk on the dirt road. The pond is 0.3 mile down the dirt road on your left.
Osprey Lake: This lake is located across the road from Oxbow Lake and is best birded from the car. Herons and egrets are regularly seen in the lake, and shorebirds can be present when mudflats exist around the edges of the lake.
Jackpot Pond: While not technically on Oxbow Inc. property, this pond can contain herons, egrets and shorebirds. Oxbow Inc. does have a conservation easement on the lake and surrounding land for protection against future development.
Hours:
Dawn to Dusk
Fees:
None
Accessiblity:
Much of the site can be birded from the car but the trails are not accessible.
Trails:
Minimal trails
Non-birding Equipment Needed:
- None
Lenght of Visit:
2-3 Hours
Map:
Website:
Directions:
From the North: Take I-275 South to US-50 (Exit 16). Turn left (west) onto US50 and you will see a Shell Gas Station on the left. Immediately after the Shell Station take a left (east) onto Walnut Street. You will crossover the dike and the road will end at the cement plant. Turn right (south) at the stop sign onto Main Street. Proceed to the Oxbow sign and take a left (east) into the Oxbow.
From the South: Take I-275 North to US-50 (Exit 16). Turn left (west) onto US-50 and you will see a Shell Gas Station on the left. Immediately after the Shell Station take a left (east) onto Walnut Street. You will crossover the dike and the road will end at the cement plant. Turn right (south) at the stop sign onto Main Street. Proceed to the Oxbow sign and take a left (east) into the Oxbow.
From the East: Take US-50 west toward Lawrenceburg, IN. After crossing the intersection of US-50 and SR-1, you will see a Shell Gas Station on your left. Immediately after the Shell Station take a left (east) onto Walnut Street. You will crossover the dike and the road will end at the cement plant. Turn right (south) at the stop sign onto Main Street. Proceed to the Oxbow sign and take a left (east) into the Oxbow.
From the West: Take US-50 east toward Cincinnati, OH. After passing the entrance to Argosy Casino, move to the right lane of US-50. Immediately before the Shell Gas Station take a right (east) onto Walnut Street. If you reach the entrance to the Shell Station, you have gone too far. You will crossover the dike and the road will end at the cement plant. Turn right (south) at the stop sign onto Main Street. Proceed to the Oxbow sign and take a left (east) into the Oxbow.
Address:
None Available
Nearby Birding: