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

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

7/11/2026Valley of Eden Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

7/7/2026Big Slough Boat Ramp1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

7/5/2026Big Slough Boat Ramp1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

7/2/2026Big Slough Boat Ramp2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

136/29/2026

Mourning Dove

56/29/2026

Chimney Swift

46/29/2026

Killdeer

16/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

86/29/2026

Great Egret

26/29/2026

American White Pelican

276/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

56/29/2026

Bald Eagle

26/29/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

16/29/2026

Belted Kingfisher

16/29/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

66/29/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/29/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

16/29/2026

Northern Flicker

36/29/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

26/29/2026

Eastern Phoebe

26/29/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/29/2026

Eastern Kingbird

26/29/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

16/29/2026

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.