Beautiful birds passing through Patoka Wildlife Refuge

April Showers bring May flowers but April also brings many interesting and beautiful birds to the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge.

The Refuge is considered a mid-migration Refuge so that the peak of neotropical species passing through the Refuge will be in April and May. Most are passing through on their way to their nesting grounds in Canada. Neotropical warblers, vireos, tanagers, thrushes, and many others species can be spotted on the Refuge. However, there are several species like the prothonotary warbler and the Baltimore oriole that will make their home on
the Refuge for the summer.

The best time to look for these migrant species is early in the morning and the best places are wooded areas in
proximity to water. On the Refuge the Snakey Point area provides the perfect habitat. Several trails including the Boyd, Maxey, South Fork, and Otter Run Trails are easily accessible and provide lots of opportunities to spot these amazing migrants.

Grab your binoculars and come visit the Patoka River NWR. You might be surprised how many feathered friends
you might see.