Dow Lake

Ecosystem Overview

The Dow Lake ecosystem supports 86 documented wildlife species across 70 taxonomic genera. Located in Athens County, Ohio, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 18 frequently observed species and 17 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. While Athens nearby has 14% more documented species, Dow Lake offers unique wildlife observation opportunities. This location ranks #3 for species diversity among 4 Athens County County natural areas, placing it in the 25th percentile for biodiversity.

Biodiversity Highlights

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Regional Rank

Out of 4 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common18 species

Common26 species

Occasional25 species

Rare17 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#3 of 4 locations

25th percentile for diversity

vs. Athens

-14% species diversity

Ecosystem Overview

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Biodiversity Highlights

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Species Distribution

Very Common‌

Common‌

Occasional‌

Rare‌

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

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Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 86 total documented species.

Mergus merganser

goosander

Very Common10 obs.

Podilymbus podiceps

Pied-billed grebe

Very Common7 obs.

Aix sponsa

wood duck

Very Common6 obs.

Erythemis simplicicollis

Eastern Pondhawk

Very Common5 obs.

Ischnura posita

Fragile Forktail

Very Common5 obs.

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Bald Eagle

Common4 obs.

Butorides virescens

green heron

Common4 obs.

Tringa solitaria

Solitary Sandpiper

Common4 obs.

Setophaga tigrina

Cape May Warbler

Common4 obs.

Setophaga castanea

Bay-breasted Warbler

Common4 obs.

Aythya collaris

Ring-necked Duck

Common4 obs.

Nerodia sipedon

Northern Water Snake

Occasional4 obs.

Actitis macularius

spotted sandpiper

Occasional3 obs.

Pandion haliaetus

osprey

Occasional3 obs.

Bucephala albeola

Bufflehead

Occasional3 obs.

Chrysemys picta

Eastern Painted Turtle

Occasional3 obs.

Gavia immer

great northern loon

Occasional2 obs.

Apalone spinifera

spiny softshell turtle

Rare2 obs.

Perithemis tenera

Eastern Amberwing

Rare2 obs.

Bombus impatiens

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Rare2 obs.

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Most Common Species

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Get Your Personalized Field Guide

Download a professional PDF field guide featuring all the species found in Dow Lake. Perfect for outdoor adventures, education, and nature exploration.

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

+18%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 3 nearby locations in Athens County County, Ohio

Nearby Natural Areas

Athens

Importance: 0.43

100 species

-14% vs. current

Athens County

Importance: 0.41

100 species

-14% vs. current

Nelsonville

Importance: 0.31

19 species

+353% vs. current

About This Comparison

These comparisons are based on documented wildlife observations from citizen science data. Locations with higher species counts may have more observation activity, different habitat types, or larger coverage areas. Regional rankings help identify biodiversity hotspots and unique natural areas within Athens County County.

Regional Comparison

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Regional Ranking

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Species Count

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vs. Regional Average

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Nearby Natural Areas

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About This Comparison

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

+18%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 3 nearby locations in Athens County County, Ohio

Nearby Natural Areas

Athens

Importance: 0.43

100 species

-14% vs. current

Athens County

Importance: 0.41

100 species

-14% vs. current

Nelsonville

Importance: 0.31

19 species

+353% vs. current

About This Comparison

Ecosystem Overview

Biodiversity Highlights

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Regional Rank

Out of 4 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common18 species

Common26 species

Occasional25 species

Rare17 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#3 of 4 locations

25th percentile for diversity

vs. Athens

-14% species diversity

Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 86 total documented species.

Mergus merganser

goosander

Very Common10 obs.

Podilymbus podiceps

Pied-billed grebe

Very Common7 obs.

Aix sponsa

wood duck

Very Common6 obs.

Erythemis simplicicollis

Eastern Pondhawk

Very Common5 obs.

Ischnura posita

Fragile Forktail

Very Common5 obs.

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Bald Eagle

Common4 obs.

Butorides virescens

green heron

Common4 obs.

Tringa solitaria

Solitary Sandpiper

Common4 obs.

Setophaga tigrina

Cape May Warbler

Common4 obs.

Setophaga castanea

Bay-breasted Warbler

Common4 obs.

Aythya collaris

Ring-necked Duck

Common4 obs.

Nerodia sipedon

Northern Water Snake

Occasional4 obs.

Actitis macularius

spotted sandpiper

Occasional3 obs.

Pandion haliaetus

osprey

Occasional3 obs.

Bucephala albeola

Bufflehead

Occasional3 obs.

Chrysemys picta

Eastern Painted Turtle

Occasional3 obs.

Gavia immer

great northern loon

Occasional2 obs.

Apalone spinifera

spiny softshell turtle

Rare2 obs.

Perithemis tenera

Eastern Amberwing

Rare2 obs.

Bombus impatiens

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Rare2 obs.

Want the Complete Field Guide?

Get all 86 species with 3-4 high-quality images each, detailed descriptions, and a downloadable PDF for offline use.

Premium field guide includes identification tips, seasonal patterns, and professional layout optimized for field use.