Emiquon Refugewildlife
At Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge, the timing for wildlife comes in 2 separate phases, each its own display, neither a peak: White-faced ibis, Late May to early June; and Shorebirds as the mudflats appear, From July through September. No official report yet this season.
- May–JuneWhite-faced ibisLate May to early June
- July–SeptemberShorebirds as the mudflats appearFrom July through September
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 Late May to early June
- Meredosia Refuge42 mi2 separate phases, from Late May to early June
- Necedah Refuge258 mi3 separate phases, from late MaySatMostly Sunny
- Upper Mississippi River Refuge269 mifrom April to August
- Loess Bluffs Refuge271 miJune - August are good timesSatPartly Sunny
- Sleeping Bear Dunes372 mi2 separate phases, from From late April through Early June
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 wildlife at Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge?
In 2 separate phases: White-faced ibis, Late May to early June and Shorebirds as the mudflats appear, From July through September. They're separate displays, not one long season, and neither is a peak.
Is it the season at Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge right now?
There's no official report yet this season.
Where do the shorebirds gather?
Around the Globes and the Wilder Unit, darting over the mudflats left by the falling water. The refuge says May and August can be the best months for many shorebird species.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Emiquon NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Emiquon NWR: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What nests at Emiquon in summer?
Black-crowned night-herons in the thick marsh plants, prothonotary warblers in the swampy bottomland forest, and in late summer wood ducks and red-headed woodpeckers in the forests of the Oxbow and Wilder units.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Emiquon NWR: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Emiquon NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Any rare visitors?
Least terns and piping plovers, both federally endangered, have been seen here during migration.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Emiquon NWR: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I paddle?
Yes, the refuge suggests paddling the Spoon River and the Oxbow.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Emiquon NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What else is nearby?
The Dickson Mounds Museum, part of the Illinois State Museum, covers 12,000 years of human history, and the area has hundreds of archaeological sites.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).