Wetland birding habitat

Banner Marsh FWA - Bell's Landing

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Banner Marsh FWA - Bell's Landing is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, and Mute Swan 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

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

6/2/2026Emiquon NWR--South Globe Unit1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

6/2/2026Emiquon NWR--South Globe Unit1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

6/2/2026Wildlife Prairie Park1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

6/2/2026Emiquon NWR--South Globe Unit1 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

6/2/2026Chautauqua NWR1 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

6/2/2026Emiquon NWR--South Globe Unit1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

6/2/2026Emiquon NWR--South Globe Unit1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

75/31/2026

Mute Swan

75/31/2026

Wood Duck

65/31/2026

Mallard

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/31/2026

Killdeer

15/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

65/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/31/2026

Belted Kingfisher

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

25/31/2026

Willow Flycatcher

25/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

25/31/2026

Cliff Swallow

25/31/2026

Gray Catbird

25/31/2026

Brown Thrasher

25/31/2026

American Robin

45/31/2026

Cedar Waxwing

25/31/2026

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 Banner Marsh FWA - Bell's Landing for birding?
The best months to visit Banner Marsh FWA - Bell's Landing for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Banner Marsh FWA - Bell's Landing?
Notable species at Banner Marsh FWA - Bell's Landing include Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Banner Marsh FWA - Bell's Landing?
Birding at Banner Marsh FWA - Bell's Landing is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Banner Marsh FWA - Bell's Landing?
Banner Marsh FWA - Bell's Landing offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.