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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/8/202611150 Ogden Landing Rd, Kevil US-KY (37.1448,-88.8360)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

27/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/20/2026

American Crow

17/20/2026

Mourning Dove

17/17/2026

Great Egret

17/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/17/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

27/17/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/17/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/17/2026

Carolina Chickadee

17/17/2026

Eastern Bluebird

27/17/2026

American Goldfinch

27/17/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/17/2026

Mallard

17/17/2026

Black Vulture

17/17/2026

Bald Eagle

37/17/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/17/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/17/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/17/2026

Fish Crow

17/17/2026

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.