Lake birding habitat

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Spring Lake Unit

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
LakeRiver/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Spring Lake Unit is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This lake and river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose and Trumpeter Swan 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

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

Canada Goose

177/6/2026

Wood Duck

77/6/2026

Mourning Dove

67/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

107/6/2026

Great Egret

327/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

77/6/2026

American White Pelican

57/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/6/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

87/6/2026

Northern Flicker

57/6/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/6/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/6/2026

Eastern Kingbird

37/6/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

57/6/2026

American Crow

17/6/2026

Bank Swallow

27/6/2026

Tree Swallow

407/6/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

17/6/2026

Barn Swallow

77/6/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

27/6/2026

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 Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Spring Lake Unit for birding?
The best months to visit Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Spring Lake Unit 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 - Spring Lake Unit?
Notable species at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Spring Lake Unit include Common Loon, Bald Eagle, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull, Bufflehead. The area supports lake, river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Spring Lake Unit?
Birding at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Spring Lake Unit 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 - Spring Lake Unit?
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Spring Lake Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.