River/Riparian birding habitat

Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge - Bellrose Tract

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge - Bellrose Tract is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 225 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

4/13/20263681 Shawnee College Rd, Olmsted US-IL (37.2703,-89.1141)1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

4/13/2026Bellrose Observation Deck Area2 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

4/13/2026Bellrose Observation Deck Area1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/13/2026Bellrose Observation Deck Area5 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/13/2026Cypress Creek NWR--Limekiln Springs Slough1 observed

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

4/13/2026Bellrose Observation Deck Area1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/9/2026Mermet Lake1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/9/2026Mermet Lake1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

4/9/2026370 East 2nd Street, New Grand Chain, Illinois, US (37.251, -89.017)1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

4/8/2026Bellrose Observation Deck Area2 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/8/2026Horseshoe Lake--West Side Dr.1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/8/2026Mounds WTP (no trespassing)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

604/13/2026

Northern Shoveler

154/13/2026

Gadwall

64/13/2026

American Wigeon

24/13/2026

Green-winged Teal

64/13/2026

Hooded Merganser

64/13/2026

American Golden-Plover

204/13/2026

Killdeer

14/13/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

24/13/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

1504/13/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

604/13/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

2004/13/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

24/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/13/2026

Bald Eagle

14/13/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/13/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/13/2026

American Crow

14/13/2026

Fish Crow

14/13/2026

Carolina Wren

14/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge - Bellrose Tract for birding?
The best months to visit Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge - Bellrose Tract for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge - Bellrose Tract?
Notable species at Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge - Bellrose Tract include Belted Kingfisher, Yellow Warbler, Song Sparrow, Great Blue Heron, Cedar Waxwing. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge - Bellrose Tract?
Birding at Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge - Bellrose Tract is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge - Bellrose Tract?
Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge - Bellrose Tract offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.