Mountain birding habitat

Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge - Goofy Ridge

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
MountainWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge - Goofy Ridge is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 240 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and wetland habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Trumpeter 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

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

6/3/2026Emiquon NWR--South Globe Unit1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

6/3/2026Chautauqua NWR--Eagle Bluff2 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

75/24/2026

Mute Swan

35/24/2026

Wood Duck

45/24/2026

Northern Bobwhite

15/24/2026

Mourning Dove

35/24/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

25/24/2026

Killdeer

25/24/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/24/2026

Green Heron

25/24/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/24/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/24/2026

Bald Eagle

25/24/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

15/24/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/24/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/24/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/24/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

35/24/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/24/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

35/24/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/24/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.

  2. 2

    Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.

  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 - Goofy Ridge for birding?
The best months to visit Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge - Goofy Ridge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge - Goofy Ridge?
Notable species at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge - Goofy Ridge include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, Northern Pintail. The area supports mountain, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge - Goofy Ridge?
Birding at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge - Goofy Ridge is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge - Goofy Ridge?
Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge - Goofy Ridge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.