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

Loading map...

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

American Barn Owl (American)

Tyto furcata

7/16/2026Grisley Woods Land and Water Reserve - Private2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Dickcissel

17/19/2026

Wild Turkey

17/19/2026

Summer Tanager

17/16/2026

Common Nighthawk

47/16/2026

American Robin

17/16/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/15/2026

Great Egret

27/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

57/15/2026

American White Pelican

207/15/2026

Black Vulture

127/15/2026

Barn Swallow

27/15/2026

European Starling

27/15/2026

Eastern Bluebird

27/15/2026

American Goldfinch

17/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

37/15/2026

Indigo Bunting

137/15/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/12/2026

Little Blue Heron

17/12/2026

Blue Grosbeak

27/12/2026

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.