River/Riparian birding habitat

Cache River State Natural Area

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cache River State Natural Area is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian 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

Sora

Porzana carolina

7/10/2026West KY WMA--portion south of KY 3581 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/8/202611150 Ogden Landing Rd, Kevil US-KY (37.1448,-88.8360)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/17/2026

Great Egret

17/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/17/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

27/17/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/17/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/17/2026

Carolina Chickadee

17/17/2026

Eastern Bluebird

27/17/2026

American Goldfinch

27/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/17/2026

Mallard

17/17/2026

Black Vulture

17/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/17/2026

Bald Eagle

37/17/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/17/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/17/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/17/2026

American Crow

17/17/2026

Fish Crow

17/17/2026

Barn Swallow

87/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Cache River State Natural Area for birding?
The best months to visit Cache River State Natural Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cache River State Natural Area?
Notable species at Cache River State Natural Area include Belted Kingfisher, Yellow Warbler, Song Sparrow, Great Blue Heron, Cedar Waxwing. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cache River State Natural Area?
Birding at Cache River State Natural Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cache River State Natural Area?
Cache River State Natural Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.