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

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

Canada Goose

64/10/2026

Wood Duck

24/10/2026

Blue-winged Teal

64/10/2026

Northern Shoveler

304/10/2026

Gadwall

104/10/2026

Ring-necked Duck

264/10/2026

Lesser Scaup

64/10/2026

Bufflehead

14/10/2026

Ruddy Duck

164/10/2026

American Coot

754/10/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/10/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

84/10/2026

Great Egret

14/10/2026

American White Pelican

684/10/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/10/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/10/2026

Northern Flicker

24/10/2026

American Crow

14/10/2026

Tree Swallow

64/10/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/10/2026

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.