Grassland birding habitat

Southern Vanderburgh Bottoms

Indiana · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
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

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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

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

7/20/2026Sandy Lee Watkins Co. Park1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

7/19/2026Horseshoe Rd. Slough (restricted access; roadside viewing)1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

7/16/2026Evansville Regional Airport, Evansville US-IN (38.0339,-87.5292)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

87/19/2026

Killdeer

87/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/19/2026

American Kestrel

27/19/2026

Horned Lark

697/19/2026

Song Sparrow

37/19/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

17/19/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

87/19/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/19/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/19/2026

Indigo Bunting

47/19/2026

Dickcissel

197/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 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.