Wetland birding habitat

Volo Bog State Natural Area

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Volo Bog State Natural Area is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Northern Shoveler 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

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

4/15/2026Moraine Hills State Park1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

4/15/2026Bangs Lake--North1 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

4/15/2026Square Barn Rd. and Mackeben Elementary School Fluddle1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/15/2026Darrell Rd. Fluddle and Marsh1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/15/2026Broadsmore Drive Ponds, Algonquin1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/15/2026Butler Lake, Libertyville1 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

4/15/2026Ryerson Conservation Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/15/2026

Mourning Dove

24/15/2026

Sandhill Crane

24/15/2026

Northern Flicker

14/15/2026

Blue Jay

24/15/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/15/2026

Barn Swallow

44/15/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/15/2026

American Robin

54/15/2026

House Sparrow

54/15/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/15/2026

Song Sparrow

14/15/2026

Swamp Sparrow

14/15/2026

Eastern Towhee

14/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

54/15/2026

Common Grackle

14/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/15/2026

Mallard

24/12/2026

Killdeer

14/12/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/12/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Volo Bog State Natural Area for birding?
The best months to visit Volo Bog State Natural Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Volo Bog State Natural Area?
Notable species at Volo Bog State Natural Area include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Sandhill Crane. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Volo Bog State Natural Area?
Birding at Volo Bog State Natural Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Volo Bog State Natural Area?
Volo Bog State Natural Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.