River/Riparian birding habitat

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Lost Mound (Carroll County, public areas)

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Lost Mound (Carroll County, public areas) is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 237 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Barred Owl, Trumpeter Swan, and Mourning Dove 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

Golden-winged x Blue-winged Warbler (hybrid)

Vermivora chrysoptera x cyanoptera

5/29/20267259–7999 Mill Hollow Rd, Savanna US-IL 42.16657, -90.162451 observed

Sanderling

Calidris alba

5/25/2026Big Slough Boat Ramp8 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

5/24/2026Big Slough Boat Ramp2 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

5/21/2026Savanna-Sabula Bridge1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

255/25/2026

Trumpeter Swan

25/25/2026

Mourning Dove

65/25/2026

Chimney Swift

15/25/2026

Killdeer

45/25/2026

American White Pelican

375/25/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/25/2026

Bald Eagle

35/25/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

25/25/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/25/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/25/2026

Eastern Phoebe

15/25/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/25/2026

Eastern Kingbird

65/25/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

35/25/2026

Blue Jay

15/25/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

25/25/2026

Tree Swallow

125/25/2026

Barn Swallow

75/25/2026

Cliff Swallow

65/25/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Lost Mound (Carroll County, public areas) for birding?
The best months to visit Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Lost Mound (Carroll County, public areas) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Lost Mound (Carroll County, public areas)?
Notable species at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Lost Mound (Carroll County, public areas) include Barred Owl, Trumpeter Swan, Mourning Dove, Bald Eagle, Tufted Titmouse. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Lost Mound (Carroll County, public areas)?
Birding at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Lost Mound (Carroll County, public areas) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Lost Mound (Carroll County, public areas)?
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Lost Mound (Carroll County, public areas) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.