Meredosia Refugewildlife
At Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge, the timing for wildlife comes in 2 separate phases, each its own display, neither a peak: Rails and soras, Late May to early June; and Shorebirds on the mudflats, From July through September. No official report yet this season.
- May–JuneRails and sorasLate May to early June
- July–SeptemberShorebirds on the mudflatsFrom July through September
Your guide to the area
Where to watch
- 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
- 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
Nearby
- Emiquon Refuge42 mi2 separate phases, from Late May to early June
- Chautauqua Refuge47 mi2 separate phases, from Late May to early June
- Loess Bluffs Refuge248 miJune - August are good timesSatPartly Sunny
- Necedah Refuge292 mi3 separate phases, from late MaySatMostly Sunny
- Upper Mississippi River Refuge296 mifrom April to August
- Sequoyah Refuge388 miMarch – SeptemberSatChance Showers And Thunderstorms
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
Meredosia Refuge in pictures
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see wildlife at Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge?
In 2 separate phases: Rails and soras, Late May to early June and Shorebirds on the mudflats, From July through September. They're separate displays, not one long season, and neither is a peak.
Is it the season at Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge right now?
There's no official report yet this season.
When are shorebirds easiest to see?
From July, when falling water leaves mudflats; the refuge says May and August can be the best months for many species. Gulls and terns are common near Meredosia Lake.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Meredosia NWR: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where can I look for monarchs?
Walk the milkweed-topped service road at the Shearl-Skinner Unit, quietly.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Meredosia NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What lives in the sand prairie?
Prickly pear cactus (look, don't touch) and, with luck, an eastern hognose snake hunting toads.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Meredosia NWR: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I pick berries or mushrooms?
Yes, nuts, berries and mushrooms may be picked in any area open to the public.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Meredosia NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What's in the woods in summer?
Prothonotary warblers nest in the swampy bottomland forest, and wood duck broods show up along creeks and ditches; the Island at Meredosia is good wood duck nesting habitat.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Meredosia NWR: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge?
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; 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.
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).