Meredosia Refugewinter wildlife
At Meredosia, fall waterfowl migration typically peaks in November, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: usually migration typically peaks in November. Its usual window hasn't started yet this year.
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
- East side of Meredosia LakeRefuge land along the east side of Meredosia Lake in Morgan County, open on foot even during the October 16 to January 31 waterfowl sanctuary; cars can use Beach Road on the lake's east side, and the boat ramp to the lake stays open all year
- 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 mimigration typically peaks in November
- Chautauqua Refuge47 miMigration typically peaks in November
- Two Rivers Refuge63 miusually begin to arrive in October
- Mingo Refuge200 mi3 separate phases, from September and October
- Loess Bluffs Refuge248 mifrom mid-October, peaking in mid- to late NovemberSatPartly Sunny
- Tennessee Refuge276 miearly JanuarySatRain Showers Likely
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 winter wildlife at Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge?
At Meredosia, fall waterfowl migration typically peaks in November, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: migration typically peaks in November. That's the usual peak in the source's own words, not a forecast.
Is it wildlife season at Meredosia National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not yet: its usual winter wildlife timing is migration typically peaks in November, usually.
Where can I go during the waterfowl sanctuary?
From October 16 to January 31 parts of the refuge close for waterfowl, but you can still walk the refuge land along the east side of Meredosia Lake in Morgan County, from sunrise to sunset, and the boat ramp stays open.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Meredosia NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there hunting on the refuge?
Not on refuge land. Waterfowl hunting happens on Meredosia Lake, which the Illinois Department of Natural Resources manages and where it holds blind drawings in July.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Meredosia NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
What else is flying in late fall?
Once most ducks have left in December, northern harriers, short-eared owls, bald eagles and red-tailed hawks are often easy to spot cruising over the land.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Meredosia NWR: Species ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Are there restrooms?
No, there are no public restrooms at the refuge.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Meredosia NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there a fee?
No, there's no charge to visit.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?
East side of Meredosia Lake: refuge land along the east side of Meredosia Lake in Morgan County, open on foot even during the October 16 to January 31 waterfowl sanctuary; cars can use Beach Road on the lake's east side, and the boat ramp to the lake stays open all year; 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).