Wetland birding habitat

Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 240 species recorded on eBird. This 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

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

5/31/20265601 N Lindbergh Blvd, Hazelwood US-MO 38.75964, -90.375261 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

5/31/2026Cllifton Terrace Park10 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

5/30/2026Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park1 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

5/29/2026John M. Olin Nature Preserve1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/27/202652 E. Cardigan Dr.2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

5/26/2026Dalbow Rd.2 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/26/2026Stump Lake Fish and Waterfowl Management Area2 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

5/24/2026John M. Olin Nature Preserve3 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

5/23/202652 E. Cardigan Dr.1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

5/23/2026Mason Hollow Road, Grafton, Illinois, US (38.981, -90.441)2 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/22/2026GR Greenways Trail 2458–2460 S Old Highway 94, Saint Charles US-MO (38.7578,-90.5454)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Bobwhite

25/26/2026

Wild Turkey

15/26/2026

Snowy Egret

45/26/2026

Great Egret

505/26/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/26/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/26/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/26/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/26/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/26/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/26/2026

Carolina Wren

25/26/2026

Gray Catbird

25/26/2026

House Finch

15/26/2026

Lark Sparrow

15/26/2026

Orchard Oriole

55/26/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/26/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

45/26/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

25/26/2026

Common Grackle

45/26/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

25/26/2026

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 Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge?
Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.