Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary

Missouri · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in Missouri, with 320 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Mallard, and Canvasback 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

Carolina Chickadee

Poecile carolinensis

3/6/2026Home1 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

3/6/2026No Name Park2 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/5/2026Forest Park6 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

3/4/2026Marais Temps Clair CA1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/4/2026Horseshoe Lake State Park, Pontoon Beach US-IL 38.69504, -90.071612 observed

Snow x Greater White-fronted Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x albifrons

3/2/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary2 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

Snow Goose

3/6/2026

Ross's Goose

3/6/2026

Greater White-fronted Goose

3/6/2026

Canada Goose

3/6/2026

Trumpeter Swan

53/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

3/6/2026

Gadwall

3/6/2026

Mallard

3/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

3/6/2026

Canvasback

3/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

3/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

3/6/2026

Bufflehead

23/6/2026

Hooded Merganser

3/6/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

13/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

3/6/2026

Rock Pigeon

3/6/2026

Mourning Dove

3/6/2026

American Coot

3/6/2026

Killdeer

3/6/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary for birding?
The best months to visit Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary?
Notable species at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary include Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Canvasback, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Killdeer, Horned Lark, Red-winged Blackbird, Rusty Blackbird, Common Grackle, American Kestrel, Snow Goose. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary?
Birding at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary?
There is no entrance fee at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary?
Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.