Coastal birding habitat

Grand Tower Island

Missouri · Midwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Grand Tower Island is a productive birding destination in Missouri, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, and Northern Pintail among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/17/2026Inspiration Point Trail, Wolf Lake, Illinois, US (37.585, -89.436)1 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

4/17/20263627 Shiloh Road, Cobden, Illinois, US (37.596, -89.205)1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

4/16/2026Hickory Ridge Rd, SNF, Pomona US-IL 37.67761, -89.392191 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/15/202610 Pinewood Drive, Carbondale, Illinois, US (37.723x-89.259)1 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

4/14/2026Campus Lake2 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/14/2026Thompson Woods1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/13/20267398 Hickory Ridge Rd, Pomona, IL1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/13/2026Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center3 observed

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

4/12/2026Hickory Ridge, SNF,, Pomona US-IL 37.65903, -89.375121 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/11/2026Cedar Lake--Cedar Creek Boat Ramp1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/11/2026Oakwood Bottoms--Greentree Reservoir2 observed

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

4/10/2026LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/17/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/17/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/17/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

44/17/2026

Northern Parula

24/17/2026

Wild Turkey

24/17/2026

Carolina Wren

14/17/2026

Louisiana Waterthrush

14/17/2026

Summer Tanager

14/17/2026

Little Blue Heron

4/17/2026

Great Egret

4/17/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

4/17/2026

Belted Kingfisher

4/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

4/17/2026

Eastern Phoebe

4/17/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

4/17/2026

White-eyed Vireo

4/17/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

4/17/2026

Fish Crow

4/17/2026

Brown Thrasher

4/17/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 Grand Tower Island for birding?
The best months to visit Grand Tower Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Grand Tower Island?
Notable species at Grand Tower Island include Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Northern Pintail, Mourning Dove, Great Blue Heron. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Grand Tower Island?
Birding at Grand Tower Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Grand Tower Island?
Grand Tower Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.