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

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

7/16/2026Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, Manito US-IL 40.47001, -89.867744 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

7/16/2026Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, Manito US-IL 40.47001, -89.867741 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/16/2026Spring Lake SFWA2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

507/16/2026

Mute Swan

67/16/2026

Wood Duck

47/16/2026

Mallard

97/16/2026

Ruddy Duck

37/16/2026

Mourning Dove

47/16/2026

Killdeer

177/16/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

67/16/2026

Least Sandpiper

37/16/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1007/16/2026

Caspian Tern

17/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

207/16/2026

Great Egret

47/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

187/16/2026

American White Pelican

757/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

157/16/2026

Bald Eagle

37/16/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

37/16/2026

Barn Swallow

57/16/2026

American Robin

27/16/2026

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.