Wetland birding habitat

Middle Fork River FP - Point Pleasant Wetland

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Middle Fork River FP - Point Pleasant Wetland is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and river/riparian 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

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/14/202632947 North 1700 East Road, Rossville, Illinois, US (40.343, -87.625)1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

4/12/2026402 Cypress Court, Saint Joseph, Illinois, US (40.113, -88.021)1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/12/2026St. Joseph Wetland1 observed

Palm Warbler (Western)

Setophaga palmarum

4/11/2026Bayles Lake and Iroquois Lake1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/8/2026Middle Fork River FP--South Waterfowl Management Area1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/2/2026Ogden, Illinois. Private2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

254/11/2026

Blue-winged Teal

54/11/2026

Gadwall

24/11/2026

Mallard

24/11/2026

Green-winged Teal

34/11/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

14/11/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

14/11/2026

Mourning Dove

14/11/2026

American Coot

84/11/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/11/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/11/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/11/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/11/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/11/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/11/2026

Northern Flicker

34/11/2026

Blue Jay

24/11/2026

Purple Martin

14/11/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/11/2026

American Robin

24/11/2026

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 Middle Fork River FP - Point Pleasant Wetland for birding?
The best months to visit Middle Fork River FP - Point Pleasant Wetland for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Middle Fork River FP - Point Pleasant Wetland?
Notable species at Middle Fork River FP - Point Pleasant Wetland include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Middle Fork River FP - Point Pleasant Wetland?
Birding at Middle Fork River FP - Point Pleasant Wetland is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Middle Fork River FP - Point Pleasant Wetland?
Middle Fork River FP - Point Pleasant Wetland offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.