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

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

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

5/21/2026Lock and Dam 13 (Illinois)1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

5/21/2026Savanna-Sabula Bridge1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

5/20/2026Lock and Dam 13 (Illinois)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

26/2/2026

Trumpeter Swan

26/2/2026

Wood Duck

96/2/2026

Killdeer

16/2/2026

Great Egret

26/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

American White Pelican

226/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Northern Flicker

16/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

26/2/2026

Blue Jay

26/2/2026

Tree Swallow

86/2/2026

Cedar Waxwing

36/2/2026

American Goldfinch

16/2/2026

Song Sparrow

16/2/2026

Baltimore Oriole

16/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

46/2/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

26/2/2026

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.