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

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

7/12/2026John M. Olin Nature Preserve1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

7/12/2026National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters1 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

7/10/20261101 Hancock Road, Wentzville, Missouri, US (38.826, -90.784)1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

7/2/2026BK Leach CA--River Slough Tract1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/1/2026IL-100 S, Godfrey US-IL 38.92959, -90.260051 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

6/29/2026Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

27/12/2026

Wood Duck

37/12/2026

American Coot

17/12/2026

Killdeer

17/12/2026

Green Heron

17/12/2026

Great Egret

677/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/12/2026

Bald Eagle

17/12/2026

Eastern Kingbird

47/12/2026

Fish Crow

27/12/2026

Tree Swallow

37/12/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

47/12/2026

Carolina Wren

17/12/2026

American Goldfinch

37/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

37/12/2026

Common Yellowthroat

37/12/2026

Indigo Bunting

117/12/2026

Dickcissel

37/12/2026

Mourning Dove

17/4/2026

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.