Volo Bog State Natural Area

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Volo Bog State Natural Area is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, 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

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/6/2026Center St, Grayslake US-IL 42.34477, -88.009071 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/5/2026Broadsmore Drive Ponds, Algonquin1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/5/2026Chain-o-Lakes State Park1 observed

Glaucous-winged Gull

Larus glaucescens

3/4/2026Prairie Springs Park/Lake Andrea1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/3/2026Fourth Lake--Millennium Trail Overlook1 observed

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

3/2/2026Raceway Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

Common Gull

Larus canus

3/1/2026Pedersen Marina1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

63/5/2026

Trumpeter Swan

23/5/2026

Mourning Dove

23/5/2026

Sandhill Crane

63/5/2026

Killdeer

23/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/5/2026

American Crow

33/5/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

23/5/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

23/5/2026

Eastern Bluebird

43/5/2026

American Robin

83/5/2026

House Sparrow

23/5/2026

House Finch

13/5/2026

American Goldfinch

43/5/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

53/5/2026

White-throated Sparrow

23/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

203/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

63/5/2026

Wood Duck

43/5/2026

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 Volo Bog State Natural Area for birding?
The best months to visit Volo Bog State Natural Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Volo Bog State Natural Area?
Notable species at Volo Bog State Natural Area include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Sandhill Crane. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Volo Bog State Natural Area?
Birding at Volo Bog State Natural Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Volo Bog State Natural Area?
Volo Bog State Natural Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.