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

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/15/202610 Pinewood Drive, Carbondale, Illinois, US (37.723x-89.259)1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/14/2026Thompson Woods1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/12/2026LAKE OF EGYPT/EAGLE POINT BAY

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

4/11/2026Sahara Woods SFWA1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/11/2026Cedar Lake--Cedar Creek Boat Ramp1 observed

Northern House Wren (Northern)

Troglodytes aedon

4/11/20261602 Broeking Road1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/9/2026Life On The Edge1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/9/20261 Starlight Ln, Carbondale US-IL 37.69156, -89.173831 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

4/7/2026Glaciers End Farm2 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

4/7/2026Crab Orchard NWR--Spillway1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/7/2026Burning Star State Fish and Wildlife Area1 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

4/5/2026Creekside Apartments1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/3/2026Crab Orchard NWR--Wolfcreek Causeway1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

24/5/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

34/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

54/5/2026

Northern Flicker

14/5/2026

American Kestrel

14/5/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/5/2026

American Crow

24/5/2026

Fish Crow

14/5/2026

Carolina Chickadee

74/5/2026

Tufted Titmouse

114/5/2026

Tree Swallow

94/5/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

14/5/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

24/5/2026

Carolina Wren

14/5/2026

European Starling

34/5/2026

Cedar Waxwing

64/5/2026

American Goldfinch

64/5/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/5/2026

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.