Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center Pond Trail

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center Pond Trail is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Killdeer, American Woodcock, and Belted Kingfisher 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

Purple Martin

Progne subis

3/5/2026533 North 23rd Street, Herrin, Illinois, US (37.808, -89.037)

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/3/2026LAKE OF EGYPT/EAGLE POINT BAY24 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/3/2026Crab Orchard NWR--Harmony Trail2 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

3/2/2026Crab Orchard NWR Campground1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

3/2/2026Crab Orchard NWR Campground2 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/1/2026Post Oak Road, Carterville Thicket5 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

3/1/2026Crab Orchard NWR--Harmony Trail5 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

2/28/2026Carbondale Reservoir2 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

2/27/2026Lake of Egypt Dam1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

23/1/2026

American Woodcock

13/1/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

American Crow

23/1/2026

Carolina Chickadee

23/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/1/2026

American Goldfinch

33/1/2026

White-throated Sparrow

53/1/2026

Eastern Towhee

33/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

23/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/1/2026

Canada Goose

23/1/2026

Mallard

23/1/2026

Ring-necked Duck

303/1/2026

Bufflehead

53/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

23/1/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Carolina Wren

13/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  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 Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center Pond Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center Pond Trail for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center Pond Trail?
Notable species at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center Pond Trail include Killdeer, American Woodcock, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center Pond Trail?
Birding at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center Pond Trail is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center Pond Trail?
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center Pond Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.