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 201 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

American Barn Owl

Tyto furcata

5/27/2026Glendale FWA1 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

Chimney Swift

55/31/2026

Black Vulture

25/31/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

15/31/2026

Canada Goose

25/31/2026

Wood Duck

25/31/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/31/2026

Least Bittern

15/31/2026

Green Heron

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Eastern Phoebe

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

45/31/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

15/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/31/2026

American Crow

25/31/2026

Fish Crow

35/31/2026

Carolina Chickadee

25/31/2026

Tufted Titmouse

25/31/2026

Tree Swallow

15/31/2026

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.