a blue bird sitting on top of a plant in a field

Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary

Missouri · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in Missouri, with 320 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Mallard, and Canvasback 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

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

6/2/2026Clifton Terrace Park Parking Lot8 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

6/2/20263214 Charlotte Ct Alton US-IL

Carolina Chickadee

Poecile carolinensis

6/2/2026Home2 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

6/1/20261000 Riverlands Way, West Alton, Missouri, US (38.86, -90.159) Drainage Area From West Alton Floodplains1 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

6/1/2026Forest Park1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

6/1/2026Orton Rd.1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

6/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary2 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

6/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

6/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

6/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Least Tern

36/2/2026

Great Egret

16/2/2026

American White Pelican

16/2/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

26/2/2026

Tree Swallow

6/2/2026

Purple Martin

6/2/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

6/2/2026

Barn Swallow

6/2/2026

Cliff Swallow

6/2/2026

Gray Catbird

16/2/2026

Brown Thrasher

16/2/2026

Orchard Oriole

16/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

6/2/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

6/2/2026

Common Grackle

6/2/2026

Dickcissel

6/2/2026

Mourning Dove

36/1/2026

Killdeer

36/1/2026

Bell's Vireo

16/1/2026

Northern Mockingbird

16/1/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary for birding?
The best months to visit Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary?
Notable species at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary include Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Canvasback, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Killdeer, Horned Lark, Red-winged Blackbird, Rusty Blackbird, Common Grackle, American Kestrel, Snow Goose. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary?
Birding at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary?
There is no entrance fee at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary?
Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.