Meredosia Refugespring migration
At Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge, the timing for spring migration comes in 2 separate phases, each its own display, neither a peak: Snow geese over the river valley, typically late February to early March; and Migrating warblers, April and May. Its usual window for this year has passed.
- February–MarchSnow geese over the river valleytypically late February to early March
- April–MayMigrating warblersApril and May
Right now at Meredosia Refuge
Right now in Meredosia Refuge · September
- Shorebirds on the summer mudflats, July through September · Jul–Sep
- All land and water open on foot and by boat, February 1 to October 15 · Feb–Oct
Your guide to the area
Where to watch
- Evan's Prairie Nature TrailA quarter-mile accessible gravel-and-boardwalk trail from the kiosk in the Evan's Prairie parking area (2227 N Beach Road) through sand prairie, old pine plantings and bottomland forest, ending on a boardwalk over Carver Lake; open all year
- Shearl-Skinner UnitWetlands with two service roads to walk quietly: one topped with milkweed, where you can look for monarch butterflies, and one lined with woods, for wood ducks, hawks and owls; a kiosk with maps is at the parking area
Nearby
- Emiquon Refuge42 mi2 separate phases, from typically late February to early March
- Chautauqua Refuge47 mi2 separate phases, from typically late February to early March
- Port Louisa Refuge99 miApril to MaySatMostly Sunny
- Swan Lake Refuge143 miApril and MaySatPartly Sunny
- Mingo Refuge200 miApril and May are the best months
- Loess Bluffs Refuge248 mifrom mid-February, peaking in mid-MarchSatPartly Sunny
The year at Meredosia Refuge
- All land and water open on foot and by boat, February 1 to October 15NowFeb–Oct
- Snow geese pour into the river valley, typically late February to early MarchFeb–Mar
- Migrating warblers, April and MayApr–May
- Rails and soras might be spotted, late May to early JuneMay–Jun
- Shorebirds on the summer mudflats, July through SeptemberNowJul–Sep
- Ducks from October through late November; migration typically peaks in NovemberOct–Nov
- Waterfowl sanctuary: parts of the refuge closed, October 16 to January 31 (east side of Meredosia Lake stays open on foot)Oct–Jan
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see spring migration at Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge?
In 2 separate phases: Snow geese over the river valley, 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 Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: its usual spring migration window for this year has passed. Next time: Snow geese over the river valley, typically late February to early March.
What's the spring frog chorus like?
It starts with the long, high trill of American toads and, if you're lucky, the birdlike whistles of the rare Illinois chorus frog, a state-threatened species of the refuge's sandy ground. Later come spring peepers, southern leopard frogs and gray treefrogs.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Meredosia NWR: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How many snow geese?
More than 100,000 at once is not unusual, rolling together over the gaps in the ice; ducks follow as the ice opens in mid-March.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Meredosia NWR: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is the whole refuge open in spring?
Yes. From February 1 to October 15, all land and water areas are open on foot and by boat, from sunrise to sunset.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Meredosia NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How do I get there?
From Jacksonville, take Route 67 north about 25 miles to Highway 104, then west about five miles; turn north on Putnam Street, east on Gaskill, then north on Beach Road for half a mile.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Meredosia NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog or camp?
Dogs are welcome on a leash. Camping, staying overnight, fires and fireworks aren't allowed.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Meredosia NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge?
Evan's Prairie Nature Trail: a quarter-mile accessible gravel-and-boardwalk trail from the kiosk in the Evan's Prairie parking area (2227 N Beach Road) through sand prairie, old pine plantings and bottomland forest, ending on a boardwalk over Carver Lake; open all year; Shearl-Skinner Unit: wetlands with two service roads to walk quietly: one topped with milkweed, where you can look for monarch butterflies, and one lined with woods, for wood ducks, hawks and owls; a kiosk with maps is at the parking area.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge?
Waterfowl sanctuary: parts of the refuge closed, October 16 to January 31 (east side of Meredosia Lake stays open on foot) (Oct–Jan).
What is Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Snow geese pour into the river valley, typically late February to early March (Feb–Mar), Migrating warblers, April and May (Apr–May), Rails and soras might be spotted, late May to early June (May–Jun), Shorebirds on the summer mudflats, July through September (Jul–Sep), Ducks from October through late November; migration typically peaks in November (Oct–Nov), All land and water open on foot and by boat, February 1 to October 15 (Feb–Oct) and Waterfowl sanctuary: parts of the refuge closed, October 16 to January 31 (east side of Meredosia Lake stays open on foot) (Oct–Jan).