Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Thomson Causeway

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 - Thomson Causeway is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Mallard 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

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

Canada Goose

403/2/2026

Trumpeter Swan

13/2/2026

Mallard

183/2/2026

Canvasback

803/2/2026

Redhead

103/2/2026

Lesser Scaup

1003/2/2026

Bufflehead

83/2/2026

Common Goldeneye

2003/2/2026

Common Merganser

603/2/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

43/2/2026

Mourning Dove

23/2/2026

Sandhill Crane

23/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

133/2/2026

American Herring Gull

33/2/2026

Bald Eagle

23/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/2/2026

American Crow

23/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

103/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/2/2026

Hooded Merganser

52/26/2026

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 - Thomson Causeway for birding?
The best months to visit Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Thomson Causeway 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 - Thomson Causeway?
Notable species at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Thomson Causeway include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, Canvasback, Redhead. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Thomson Causeway?
Birding at Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Thomson Causeway 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 - Thomson Causeway?
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge - Thomson Causeway offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.