Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Lost Mound (Carroll County, public areas)

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Lost Mound (Carroll County, public areas) is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 237 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Barred Owl, Trumpeter Swan, and Mourning Dove 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

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

3/4/2026Bulger's Hollow Recreation Area3 observed

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

3/3/2026South Sabula Lakes Park1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

3/2/2026Bellevue SP1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

3/1/2026Green Island WMA1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

3/1/2026Brown Residence (Private Property)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Barred Owl

13/4/2026

Trumpeter Swan

12/27/2026

Mourning Dove

32/27/2026

Bald Eagle

12/27/2026

Tufted Titmouse

12/27/2026

Horned Lark

22/27/2026

European Starling

402/27/2026

Northern Mockingbird

12/27/2026

House Finch

62/27/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

12/27/2026

Snow Goose

562/27/2026

Ross's Goose

22/27/2026

Greater White-fronted Goose

1402/27/2026

Canada Goose

222/27/2026

Mallard

122/27/2026

Northern Pintail

262/27/2026

Rock Pigeon

22/27/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

12/27/2026

Killdeer

12/27/2026

Ring-billed Gull

42/27/2026

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 Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Lost Mound (Carroll County, public areas) for birding?
The best months to visit Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Lost Mound (Carroll County, public areas) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Lost Mound (Carroll County, public areas)?
Notable species at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Lost Mound (Carroll County, public areas) include Barred Owl, Trumpeter Swan, Mourning Dove, Bald Eagle, Tufted Titmouse. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Lost Mound (Carroll County, public areas)?
Birding at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Lost Mound (Carroll County, public areas) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Lost Mound (Carroll County, public areas)?
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Lost Mound (Carroll County, public areas) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.