Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Wolfcreek Causeway

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Wolfcreek Causeway is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Lesser Scaup, and Bufflehead 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

Canada Goose

23/1/2026

Lesser Scaup

103/1/2026

Bufflehead

33/1/2026

Ruddy Duck

523/1/2026

Mourning Dove

33/1/2026

American Coot

33/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

333/1/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

23/1/2026

Horned Grebe

13/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

4953/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

43/1/2026

Black Vulture

53/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

73/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Blue Jay

13/1/2026

American Crow

13/1/2026

Carolina Chickadee

33/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 - Wolfcreek Causeway for birding?
The best months to visit Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Wolfcreek Causeway 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 - Wolfcreek Causeway?
Notable species at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Wolfcreek Causeway include Canada Goose, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Mourning Dove. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Wolfcreek Causeway?
Birding at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Wolfcreek Causeway is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Wolfcreek Causeway?
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge - Wolfcreek Causeway offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.