River/Riparian birding habitat

Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge - Oatsville Bottoms

Indiana · Midwest

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge - Oatsville Bottoms is a productive birding destination in Indiana, with 231 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

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

4/17/2026buckskin Bottoms3 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/16/202621028 County Road 1600 East, Allendale, Illinois, US (38.523, -87.686)1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/15/202647598, Winslow US-IN (38.3328,-87.1765)2 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/13/2026Those Cows Outside Of Oakland City, Indiana, US (38.342, -87.3)1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/9/2026North Eby Road Area1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/9/2026North Eby Road Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

34/15/2026

Blue-winged Teal

504/15/2026

Northern Shoveler

44/15/2026

Mallard

24/15/2026

Green-winged Teal

34/15/2026

Wild Turkey

14/15/2026

Black-necked Stilt

14/15/2026

American Golden-Plover

14/15/2026

Killdeer

24/15/2026

Wilson's Snipe

54/15/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

24/15/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

404/15/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

84/15/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

204/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/15/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/15/2026

Blue Jay

24/15/2026

American Crow

34/15/2026

Fish Crow

14/15/2026

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 - Oatsville Bottoms for birding?
The best months to visit Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge - Oatsville Bottoms 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 - Oatsville Bottoms?
Notable species at Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge - Oatsville Bottoms 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 - Oatsville Bottoms?
Birding at Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge - Oatsville Bottoms is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge - Oatsville Bottoms?
Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge - Oatsville Bottoms offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.