Lake birding habitat

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center Pond Trail

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center Pond Trail is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Killdeer, American Woodcock, and Belted Kingfisher 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

5/27/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

5/27/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

5/27/2026

Great Blue Heron

5/27/2026

Barred Owl

5/27/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

5/27/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

5/27/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

5/27/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

5/27/2026

White-eyed Vireo

5/27/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

5/27/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

5/27/2026

Carolina Chickadee

5/27/2026

Tufted Titmouse

5/27/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

5/27/2026

Carolina Wren

5/27/2026

Eastern Bluebird

5/27/2026

American Goldfinch

5/27/2026

Chipping Sparrow

5/27/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

5/27/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center Pond Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center Pond Trail for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center Pond Trail?
Notable species at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center Pond Trail include Killdeer, American Woodcock, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center Pond Trail?
Birding at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center Pond Trail is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center Pond Trail?
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center Pond Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.