Wetland birding habitat

Arcola Marsh

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Arcola Marsh is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/15/2026Bruce Boat Ramp4 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

4/15/2026Bruce Boat Ramp1 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

4/15/202661938, Mattoon US-IL 39.49311, -88.290781 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

4/14/2026Lake Charleston1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/14/2026Lake Charleston1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/14/2026Lake Charleston1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/13/2026Lakeview Park, Charleston3 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/11/2026Eastgate Drive, Charleston1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/9/2026Lake Charleston1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

4/7/202661920, Charleston US-IL (39.5920,-88.2159)1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

4/6/2026Lake Charleston1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/12/2026

Great Egret

24/12/2026

American Crow

44/12/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

24/12/2026

Mourning Dove

24/12/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

14/12/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/12/2026

Blue Jay

14/12/2026

European Starling

84/12/2026

American Robin

24/12/2026

House Sparrow

94/12/2026

House Finch

114/12/2026

American Goldfinch

14/12/2026

Chipping Sparrow

24/12/2026

Song Sparrow

14/12/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

14/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

34/12/2026

Common Grackle

74/12/2026

Northern Cardinal

34/12/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Arcola Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Arcola Marsh for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Arcola Marsh?
Notable species at Arcola Marsh include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Arcola Marsh?
Birding at Arcola Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Arcola Marsh?
Arcola Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.