Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge - Bellrose Tract

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge - Bellrose Tract is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 225 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/6/2026Cache Chapel Rd, Ullin US-IL 37.28563, -89.118277 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

3/6/2026Cache Chapel Rd, Ullin US-IL 37.28563, -89.118272 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

3/6/2026Cache Chapel Rd, Ullin US-IL 37.28563, -89.118277 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/1/2026Lake Lyerla Conservation Area--Levee1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

2/28/2026Cache River State Natural Area--Cache River Wetlands Center1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

2/27/2026Mermet Lake1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

2/21/2026Bellrose Observation Deck Area1 observed

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge - Bellrose Tract for birding?
The best months to visit Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge - Bellrose Tract for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge - Bellrose Tract?
Notable species at Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge - Bellrose Tract include Belted Kingfisher, Yellow Warbler, Song Sparrow, Great Blue Heron, Cedar Waxwing. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge - Bellrose Tract?
Birding at Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge - Bellrose Tract is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge - Bellrose Tract?
Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge - Bellrose Tract offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.