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

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

7/21/2026Forest Park--Deer Lake Savanna1 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

7/20/20263214 Charlotte Ct Alton US-IL

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

7/20/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/20/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/20/2026Two Rivers NWR (Jersey Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Egret

37/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/20/2026

Tree Swallow

37/20/2026

Purple Martin

77/20/2026

Snow Goose

17/20/2026

Canada Goose

7/20/2026

Mallard

157/20/2026

Mourning Dove

7/20/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/20/2026

Killdeer

7/20/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/20/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

17/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

7/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

7/20/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

17/20/2026

Green Heron

27/20/2026

American White Pelican

7/20/2026

Bald Eagle

17/20/2026

Mississippi Kite

47/20/2026

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.