Felsenthal NWR has been recognized by the National Audubon Society as a globally Important Bird Area. The refuge lies within the Mississippi Flyway, a major migration pathway in North America used by vast numbers of waterfowl, shorebirds, neotropical songbirds, and raptors. Waterfowl begin arriving in September with mallards, blue-wing teal, and gadwall among the 20 species that winter here.
From the spring to early fall, Felsenthal NWR is a haven for a myriad of songbirds and shorebirds. Many species stop in the spring and fall to replenish energy reserves for the long journey to and from wintering areas in Central and South America. Other songbirds such as the northern parula and prothonotary warbler utilize the refuge for nesting habitat.
Visitors are encouraged to submit their birding observations online to the global eBird database. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird and Merlin mobile apps are excellent resources for both beginner and advanced birders. Merlin helps with bird identification, and eBird can generate a checklist of birds for National Wildlife Refuges based on past checklists submitted in the area.
Click here to visit eBird’s website. Both the eBird app and Merlin bird ID app can be downloaded for free on most mobile app stores.
To learn more about Felsenthal NWR as part of an Important Bird Area, visit Audubon’s website here.
The Woodland Wildlife Trail is part of Audubon's Birdability map. For details on the trail's accessibility, read the site review here.
To obtain a map of suggested birding areas on Felsenthal NWR and additional information about each area, click on the document below.
