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

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

4/14/2026Green Island WMA2 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/14/2026Green Island WMA1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/13/2026Mississippi Palisades SP--Miller’s Hollow1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/3/2026Upper Mississippi River NWR--Frog Pond1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

14/14/2026

Sandhill Crane

14/14/2026

Killdeer

14/14/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/14/2026

Northern Flicker

14/14/2026

American Kestrel

14/14/2026

Field Sparrow

14/14/2026

Song Sparrow

24/14/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

14/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

104/14/2026

Northern House Wren

14/14/2026

Canada Goose

154/14/2026

Northern Shoveler

184/14/2026

Mallard

14/14/2026

Ring-necked Duck

74/14/2026

Wild Turkey

14/14/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

34/14/2026

Mourning Dove

34/14/2026

American Coot

54/14/2026

Black-necked Stilt

14/14/2026

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.