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

Loading map...

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

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

6/1/2026Union Rd. & Hemmingsen Rd. Fluddle1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

6/1/2026Liberty Prairie Nature Preserve1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

6/1/2026Lyons Woods Forest Preserve (Lake Co.)2 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/31/2026Moraine Hills SP--McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

5/31/2026Deer Park Mall Ponds1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/31/2026North Branch Conservation Area1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/31/2026Druce Lake1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

5/31/2026Lyons Woods Forest Preserve (Lake Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

35/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/31/2026

Tree Swallow

35/31/2026

Purple Martin

105/31/2026

European Starling

15/31/2026

House Sparrow

25/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

85/31/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

25/31/2026

Hooded Merganser

15/30/2026

Green Heron

15/30/2026

Canada Goose

15/29/2026

Wood Duck

15/29/2026

Sandhill Crane

15/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/29/2026

Great Egret

15/29/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/29/2026

Osprey

15/29/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/29/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

15/29/2026

Gray Catbird

15/29/2026

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.