Southern Vanderburgh Bottoms

Indiana · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

GrasslandWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Southern Vanderburgh Bottoms is a productive birding destination in Indiana, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Killdeer, and Pectoral Sandpiper among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Mourning Dove Killdeer Pectoral Sandpiper Turkey Vulture Bald Eagle

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

6/1/2026Sloughs WMA, Sauerheber Unit--Pond Creek Marsh waterfowl bait spot (do not block gate)2 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

5/31/2026850 S, Mount Vernon US-IN 37.91413, -87.931442 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

5/27/2026Heim Road5 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

5/25/2026Loggerhead Shrike1 observed

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

5/25/2026Sloughs WMA, Sauerheber Unit*1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

5/25/20264240 Mc Donald Landing Road, Corydon, Kentucky, US (37.832, -87.694)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/28/2026

Chimney Swift

15/28/2026

Bald Eagle

15/28/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/28/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

15/28/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/28/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/28/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

15/28/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/28/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/28/2026

American Crow

15/28/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

25/28/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/28/2026

Carolina Wren

15/28/2026

Song Sparrow

15/28/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

15/28/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/28/2026

Northern Parula

15/28/2026

Summer Tanager

15/28/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/28/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.
2
Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Indiana

Indiana Dunes National Park

Lake Michigan dunes park with 350+ species across diverse coastal habitats.

Michigan City Harbor & Trail Creek

Indiana's Lake Michigan harbor with exceptional winter gulls, waterbirds, and lakefront migration.

Atterbury FWA

Grassland birding hotspot in Indiana with 245 recorded species.

Indiana Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Indiana →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles

11 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Southern Vanderburgh Bottoms for birding?▼

The best months to visit Southern Vanderburgh Bottoms for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Southern Vanderburgh Bottoms?▼

Notable species at Southern Vanderburgh Bottoms include Mourning Dove, Killdeer, Pectoral Sandpiper, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Southern Vanderburgh Bottoms?▼

Birding at Southern Vanderburgh Bottoms is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Southern Vanderburgh Bottoms?▼

Southern Vanderburgh Bottoms offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.