Wetland birding habitat

Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 288 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, and Cackling Goose 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

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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

5/31/2026Home/Spring Lake North15 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

146/2/2026

Canada Goose

906/2/2026

Mute Swan

736/2/2026

Trumpeter Swan

26/2/2026

Wood Duck

616/2/2026

Mallard

336/2/2026

Lesser Scaup

16/2/2026

Hooded Merganser

96/2/2026

Ruddy Duck

46/2/2026

Common Gallinule

36/2/2026

American Coot

56/2/2026

Sandhill Crane

26/2/2026

Black-necked Stilt

136/2/2026

Killdeer

176/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

36/2/2026

Caspian Tern

36/2/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

56/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

2536/2/2026

Green Heron

36/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

76/2/2026

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 Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge include Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge?
Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.