Pelicans in Ohio in September
Yes, September is a good month to see pelicans in Ohio. It is the 4th busiest month of the year, with 88 of the 952 sightings logged across the year (9.2%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Good month for pelicans in Ohio
9.2%
of yearly sightings
88
records in September
#4
busiest month of 12
952
verified records a year
August 3.5%, September 9.2%, October 6.3%. Busiest month is May at 37.6%.
952 verified observations of pelicans in Ohio, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in Ohio
Peak month
May
358 records (37.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7 | 0.7% |
| February | 14 | 1.5% |
| Marchpeak | 126 | 13.2% |
| Aprilpeak | 136 | 14.3% |
| Maypeak | 358 | 37.6% |
| June | 48 | 5% |
| July | 36 | 3.8% |
| August | 33 | 3.5% |
| September | 88 | 9.2% |
| October | 60 | 6.3% |
| November | 30 | 3.2% |
| December | 16 | 1.7% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| American White Pelican | 917 |
| Brown Pelican | 35 |
In Ohio, September carries 9.2% of the year's pelicans sightings, about 0.9 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 4th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from August (3.5%) into September, and it heads toward October (6.3%) after. The busiest month is May (37.6%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The pelicans most often recorded in Ohio are American White Pelican and Brown Pelican. Those counts are annual totals rather than a September split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in September itself.
Which pelicans you are most likely to see
- American White Pelican917 records
- Brown Pelican35 records
Plan your pelican trip in Ohio
Start with live tours near Cuyahoga Valley National Park, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main pelican viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best pelican viewing area in Ohio.
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Broader backupBook a pelican tour in Ohio
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see pelicans in Ohio in September?+
Yes. September accounts for 88 of the 952 verified pelicans sightings logged in Ohio across the year, which is 9.2% of the annual total.
Is September a good time to see pelicans in Ohio?+
September is the 4th busiest month. It is workable, though May and April is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for pelicans in Ohio?+
May is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through May, April and March, based on 952 verified observations.
Which pelicans are you most likely to see in Ohio?+
The most-recorded species in Ohio are American White Pelican and Brown Pelican, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See pelicans in Ohio in other months
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in Ohio