Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, and Northern Shoveler 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

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

3/6/2026Dalbow Rd.1 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

3/6/2026No Name Park2 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

3/5/2026Diamond-Hurricane Island State Fish and Waterfowl Management Area25 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

3/4/2026Marais Temps Clair CA1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/3/2026Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park2 observed

Snow x Greater White-fronted Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x albifrons

3/2/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/1/2026Foley River Access1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

2/28/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Greater White-fronted Goose

12/27/2026

Canada Goose

62/27/2026

Northern Shoveler

42/27/2026

Gadwall

12/27/2026

Mallard

42/27/2026

Northern Pintail

12/27/2026

Green-winged Teal

22/27/2026

Ring-necked Duck

12/27/2026

Bufflehead

22/27/2026

Common Goldeneye

62/27/2026

Common Merganser

12/27/2026

Ring-billed Gull

32/27/2026

American Herring Gull

12/27/2026

Turkey Vulture

12/27/2026

Bald Eagle

12/27/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

12/27/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/27/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

22/27/2026

Blue Jay

12/27/2026

American Crow

12/27/2026

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 Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge include Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge?
Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.