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

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

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

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

Connecticut Warbler

Oporornis agilis

5/21/2026Little Creve Coeur Ecological Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

255/24/2026

Great Egret

125/24/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/24/2026

Bald Eagle

15/24/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/24/2026

Fish Crow

25/24/2026

Barn Swallow

25/24/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/24/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

15/24/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/24/2026

Northern Cardinal

25/24/2026

Indigo Bunting

65/24/2026

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.