Lake birding habitat

Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge - Swan Lake

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge - Swan Lake is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 231 species recorded on eBird. This lake 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

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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

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

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

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

7/10/2026John M. Olin Nature Preserve2 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

Mourning Dove

17/4/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

27/4/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

27/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

27/4/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

37/4/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/4/2026

American Crow

17/4/2026

Fish Crow

27/4/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/4/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/4/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/4/2026

Carolina Wren

17/4/2026

American Robin

57/4/2026

Summer Tanager

17/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/4/2026

Canada Goose

167/4/2026

Chimney Swift

27/4/2026

Killdeer

17/4/2026

Great Egret

17/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

27/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 - Swan Lake for birding?
The best months to visit Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge - Swan Lake 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 - Swan Lake?
Notable species at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge - Swan Lake include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge - Swan Lake?
Birding at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge - Swan Lake is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge - Swan Lake?
Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge - Swan Lake offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.