Grassland birding habitat

Oakwood Bottoms - Big Muddy Levee Road

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Oakwood Bottoms - Big Muddy Levee Road is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This grassland 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

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

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

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/11/2026Oakwood Bottoms--Greentree Reservoir2 observed

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

4/10/2026LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/10/2026LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

4/10/2026LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area1 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

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/9/2026Union Hill2 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

4/7/2026Crab Orchard NWR--Spillway1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/15/2026

Blue Jay

14/15/2026

American Crow

54/15/2026

Fish Crow

124/15/2026

Carolina Chickadee

24/15/2026

Tufted Titmouse

34/15/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

24/15/2026

Carolina Wren

24/15/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/15/2026

Chipping Sparrow

24/15/2026

White-throated Sparrow

54/15/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

14/15/2026

Common Yellowthroat

14/15/2026

Northern Parula

24/15/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

24/15/2026

Yellow-throated Warbler

14/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

34/15/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

14/14/2026

Wild Turkey

14/14/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Oakwood Bottoms - Big Muddy Levee Road for birding?
The best months to visit Oakwood Bottoms - Big Muddy Levee Road for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Oakwood Bottoms - Big Muddy Levee Road?
Notable species at Oakwood Bottoms - Big Muddy Levee Road include Eastern Meadowlark, Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, Northern Harrier, Bobolink. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Oakwood Bottoms - Big Muddy Levee Road?
Birding at Oakwood Bottoms - Big Muddy Levee Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Oakwood Bottoms - Big Muddy Levee Road?
Oakwood Bottoms - Big Muddy Levee Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.