Oakwood Bottoms - Big Muddy Levee Road

Illinois · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

GrasslandWetland

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Oakwood Bottoms - Big Muddy Levee Road is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This grassland 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

Eastern Meadowlark Dickcissel Grasshopper Sparrow Northern Harrier Bobolink

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

3/2/2026Crab Orchard NWR Campground1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

3/2/2026Crab Orchard NWR Campground2 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/1/2026gravel pit ponds1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

3/1/2026Indian Ridge Sloughs1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

2/28/2026Carbondale Reservoir2 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

2/23/202622431-22113 Illinois 127, Vergennes, Illinois, US (37.912, -89.336)1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

2/22/2026Burning Star Mine1 observed

Birding Tips

1
Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.
2
Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Illinois

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Jackson Park / Wooded Island

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Illinois Beach State Park

Illinois' last natural Lake Michigan shore with 300+ species, shorebird migration, and grassland birds.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Oakwood Bottoms - Big Muddy Levee Road for birding?▼

The best months to visit Oakwood Bottoms - Big Muddy Levee Road for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Oakwood Bottoms - Big Muddy Levee Road?▼

Notable species at Oakwood Bottoms - Big Muddy Levee Road include Eastern Meadowlark, Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, Northern Harrier, Bobolink. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Oakwood Bottoms - Big Muddy Levee Road?▼

Birding at Oakwood Bottoms - Big Muddy Levee Road is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Oakwood Bottoms - Big Muddy Levee Road?▼

Oakwood Bottoms - Big Muddy Levee Road offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.