Wetland birding habitat

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Wolfcreek Causeway

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Wolfcreek Causeway is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Lesser Scaup, and Bufflehead 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

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/14/2026Thompson Woods1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/13/20267398 Hickory Ridge Rd, Pomona, IL1 observed

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

4/12/2026Hickory Ridge, SNF,, Pomona US-IL 37.65903, -89.375121 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

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

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/11/20261 Starlight Ln, Carbondale US-IL 37.69156, -89.173832 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

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

4/9/2026Hickory Ridge Rd, SNF, Pomona US-IL 37.67761, -89.392191 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

74/11/2026

Northern Bobwhite

34/11/2026

Killdeer

14/11/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

64/11/2026

Ring-billed Gull

84/11/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/11/2026

Black Vulture

14/11/2026

Turkey Vulture

54/11/2026

Bald Eagle

34/11/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

34/11/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/11/2026

White-eyed Vireo

14/11/2026

Blue Jay

44/11/2026

American Crow

54/11/2026

Tufted Titmouse

44/11/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/11/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/11/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

34/11/2026

Carolina Wren

14/11/2026

Northern Mockingbird

14/11/2026

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 Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Wolfcreek Causeway for birding?
The best months to visit Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Wolfcreek Causeway 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 - Wolfcreek Causeway?
Notable species at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Wolfcreek Causeway include Canada Goose, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Mourning Dove. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Wolfcreek Causeway?
Birding at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Wolfcreek Causeway is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Wolfcreek Causeway?
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Wolfcreek Causeway offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.