River/Riparian birding habitat

Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge

Indiana · Midwest

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Indiana, with 246 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

5/30/2026Bowman bottoms1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/25/2026Patoka River NWR--Oatsville Bottoms (Gibson Co.)1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

5/23/2026Line Road Roadside Slough3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

25/25/2026

Black-billed Cuckoo

15/25/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

75/25/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/25/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/25/2026

Osprey

15/25/2026

Bald Eagle

15/25/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/25/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/25/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/25/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/25/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

15/25/2026

Alder Flycatcher

15/25/2026

Eastern Phoebe

25/25/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/25/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/25/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/25/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

25/25/2026

Carolina Chickadee

15/25/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/25/2026

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 Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge include Belted Kingfisher, Yellow Warbler, Song Sparrow, Great Blue Heron, Cedar Waxwing. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge?
Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.