Wetland birding habitat

Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge - Calhoun Wetlands

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge - Calhoun Wetlands is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 217 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, and Mallard 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

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

7/14/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/14/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

7/12/2026National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/11/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/11/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Fish Crow

17/14/2026

Wood Duck

37/13/2026

Mourning Dove

157/13/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

87/13/2026

Killdeer

57/13/2026

Great Egret

27/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/13/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

17/13/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

37/13/2026

Downy Woodpecker

27/13/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

17/13/2026

Northern Flicker

37/13/2026

American Kestrel

17/13/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

37/13/2026

Eastern Phoebe

27/13/2026

Eastern Kingbird

87/13/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

37/13/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

307/13/2026

Barn Swallow

127/13/2026

Cliff Swallow

57/13/2026

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 - Calhoun Wetlands for birding?
The best months to visit Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge - Calhoun Wetlands 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 - Calhoun Wetlands?
Notable species at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge - Calhoun Wetlands include Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge - Calhoun Wetlands?
Birding at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge - Calhoun Wetlands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge - Calhoun Wetlands?
Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge - Calhoun Wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.