Emiquon Refugespring migration
At Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge, the timing for spring migration comes in 2 separate phases, each its own display, neither a peak: Snow geese on the flooded Globes, typically late February to early March; and Migrating warblers, April and May. Its usual window for this year has passed.
- February–MarchSnow geese on the flooded Globestypically late February to early March
- April–MayMigrating warblersApril and May
Right now at Emiquon Refuge
Right now in Emiquon Refuge · September
- Sandpipers, plovers and dowitchers, July through September · Jul–Sep
- Roadside birdwatching all year · Jan–Dec
Your guide to the area
Where to watch
- North and South Globes from Dickson Mounds RoadRoadside pull-offs on Dickson Mounds Road (IL-9), which runs between the two Globe units. In spring and fall, Illinois River floodwaters fill the Globes and migrating waterfowl rest there; in low water the South Globe levee tops make a 4-mile loop open to walking
- Spoon River Access Area and Bellrose Wetland platformAn information kiosk with refuge brochures and maps, a viewing and picnic platform on the bank of the Spoon River, and a short primitive trail along the river to the observation platform on the Bellrose Wetland
Nearby
- Chautauqua Refuge6 mi2 separate phases, from typically late February to early March
- Meredosia Refuge42 mi2 separate phases, from typically late February to early March
- Port Louisa Refuge82 miApril to MaySatMostly Sunny
- Swan Lake Refuge173 miApril and MaySatPartly Sunny
- Mingo Refuge232 miApril and May are the best months
- Necedah Refuge258 miMaySatMostly Sunny
The year at Emiquon Refuge
- Roadside birdwatching all yearNowJan–Dec
- Snow geese descend on the refuge as spring migration begins, typically late February to early MarchFeb–Mar
- Warblers migrating through, April and MayApr–May
- Chance of white-faced ibis, late May to early JuneMay–Jun
- Sandpipers, plovers and dowitchers, July through SeptemberNowJul–Sep
- Ducks from October through late November, with the migration typically peaking in NovemberOct–Nov
- Parts of the refuge closed as a waterfowl sanctuary, October 16 to January 31Oct–Jan
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see spring migration at Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge?
In 2 separate phases: Snow geese on the flooded Globes, typically late February to early March and Migrating warblers, April and May. They're separate displays, not one long season, and neither is a peak.
Is spring migration under way at Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: its usual spring migration window for this year has passed. Next time: Snow geese on the flooded Globes, typically late February to early March.
How big are the snow goose flocks?
Often more than 100,000 birds, moving as one over the openings in the ice.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Emiquon NWR: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What else turns up in spring?
From mid-March, as the ice opens, teal, pintails, shovelers, canvasbacks, redheads and mergansers; later, American coots, and in the tall marsh plants you might even spot a sora, bittern or rail.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Emiquon NWR: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Are there walking trails?
Not long ones: water levels swing too much for formal trails. When the water is low, the levees are open on foot, including the 4-mile loop on the South Globe levee tops. Nearby Chautauqua refuge has hiking trails.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Emiquon NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How do I get there from Havana?
Cross the Illinois River bridge on Route 136 west, and half a mile past the bridge turn north onto Route 78/97.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Emiquon NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where do I get a map?
At the kiosks at the Spoon River and Oxbow access points. Refuge staff are based at Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge, and the Dickson Mounds Museum has area brochures during business hours.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Emiquon NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge?
North and South Globes from Dickson Mounds Road: roadside pull-offs on Dickson Mounds Road (IL-9), which runs between the two Globe units. In spring and fall, Illinois River floodwaters fill the Globes and migrating waterfowl rest there; in low water the South Globe levee tops make a 4-mile loop open to walking; Spoon River Access Area and Bellrose Wetland platform: an information kiosk with refuge brochures and maps, a viewing and picnic platform on the bank of the Spoon River, and a short primitive trail along the river to the observation platform on the Bellrose Wetland.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge?
Parts of the refuge closed as a waterfowl sanctuary, October 16 to January 31 (Oct–Jan).
What is Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Snow geese descend on the refuge as spring migration begins, typically late February to early March (Feb–Mar), Warblers migrating through, April and May (Apr–May), Chance of white-faced ibis, late May to early June (May–Jun), Sandpipers, plovers and dowitchers, July through September (Jul–Sep), Ducks from October through late November, with the migration typically peaking in November (Oct–Nov), Parts of the refuge closed as a waterfowl sanctuary, October 16 to January 31 (Oct–Jan) and Roadside birdwatching all year (Jan–Dec).