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

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

7/12/2026Home2 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/10/2026North Branch Conservation Area1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/7/2026Moraine Hills SP--McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

7/6/20262515 S Scheid Lane, McHenry1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

7/5/2026Chain-o-Lakes State Park1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/5/2026Highland Ave1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

7/5/2026The lake1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

7/4/2026Wonder Lake1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/3/2026Rollins Savanna area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

27/12/2026

Wood Duck

407/12/2026

Rock Pigeon

17/12/2026

Mourning Dove

27/12/2026

Sandhill Crane

27/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

37/12/2026

Green Heron

27/12/2026

Great Egret

27/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/12/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/12/2026

Downy Woodpecker

37/12/2026

Northern Flicker

27/12/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/12/2026

Willow Flycatcher

27/12/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/12/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/12/2026

American Crow

37/12/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/12/2026

Tree Swallow

37/12/2026

Purple Martin

67/12/2026

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.