Southern Vanderburgh Bottoms

Indiana · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Southern Vanderburgh Bottoms is a productive birding destination in Indiana, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Killdeer, and Pectoral Sandpiper 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

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

3/4/2026Sloughs WMA, Sauerheber Unit--Hardy Slough2 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

3/2/2026Sloughs WMA, Sauerheber Unit--Hardy Slough1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

2/27/2026John James Audubon SP--Audubon Wetlands1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

2/23/2026Home, Evansville, Indiana, US1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

102/27/2026

Killdeer

252/27/2026

Turkey Vulture

22/27/2026

Bald Eagle

22/27/2026

Northern Flicker

12/27/2026

American Kestrel

22/27/2026

American Crow

12/27/2026

Horned Lark

152/27/2026

European Starling

1002/27/2026

House Finch

22/27/2026

Song Sparrow

12/27/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

22/27/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

502/27/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

12/27/2026

Common Grackle

12/27/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Southern Vanderburgh Bottoms for birding?
The best months to visit Southern Vanderburgh Bottoms for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Southern Vanderburgh Bottoms?
Notable species at Southern Vanderburgh Bottoms include Mourning Dove, Killdeer, Pectoral Sandpiper, Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Southern Vanderburgh Bottoms?
Birding at Southern Vanderburgh Bottoms is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Southern Vanderburgh Bottoms?
Southern Vanderburgh Bottoms offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.