River/Riparian birding habitat

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Thomson Causeway

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Thomson Causeway is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Mallard 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

24/13/2026

Blue-winged Teal

244/13/2026

Northern Shoveler

104/13/2026

Gadwall

44/13/2026

Mallard

64/13/2026

Green-winged Teal

44/13/2026

Ring-necked Duck

44/13/2026

Lesser Scaup

204/13/2026

Common Goldeneye

14/13/2026

Hooded Merganser

24/13/2026

Common Merganser

44/13/2026

Ruddy Duck

104/13/2026

Sandhill Crane

14/13/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

24/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

64/13/2026

Great Egret

34/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/13/2026

American White Pelican

384/13/2026

Bald Eagle

14/13/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/13/2026

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 - Thomson Causeway for birding?
The best months to visit Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Thomson Causeway 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 - Thomson Causeway?
Notable species at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Thomson Causeway include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, Canvasback, Redhead. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Thomson Causeway?
Birding at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Thomson Causeway 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 - Thomson Causeway?
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Thomson Causeway offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.