Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge - Goofy Ridge

Illinois · Midwest

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
MountainWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge - Goofy Ridge is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 240 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and wetland habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Trumpeter Swan 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

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

2/27/2026Spring Lake SFWA10 observed

Northern Shrike

Lanius borealis

2/25/2026Banner Marsh FWA--Bell's Landing (Fulton Co.)1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose (Tule)

Anser albifrons

2/21/2026Banner Marsh FWA-- East Access (Peoria Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cackling Goose

83/2/2026

Canada Goose

503/2/2026

Trumpeter Swan

2203/2/2026

Mallard

4003/2/2026

Northern Pintail

4003/2/2026

Green-winged Teal

603/2/2026

Lesser Scaup

13/2/2026

Bufflehead

23/2/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/2/2026

Mourning Dove

13/2/2026

Killdeer

63/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

103/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/2/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/2/2026

Blue Jay

13/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

23/2/2026

Winter Wren

13/2/2026

Carolina Wren

23/2/2026

American Robin

33/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.

  2. 2

    Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.

  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 Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge - Goofy Ridge for birding?
The best months to visit Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge - Goofy Ridge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge - Goofy Ridge?
Notable species at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge - Goofy Ridge include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, Northern Pintail. The area supports mountain, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge - Goofy Ridge?
Birding at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge - Goofy Ridge is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge - Goofy Ridge?
Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge - Goofy Ridge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.