Grassland birding habitat

Burning Star Mine

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Burning Star Mine is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Mourning Dove, and Ring-billed Gull among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/14/2026Thompson Woods1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/13/20267398 Hickory Ridge Rd, Pomona, IL1 observed

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

4/12/2026Hickory Ridge, SNF,, Pomona US-IL 37.65903, -89.375121 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/11/20261 Starlight Ln, Carbondale US-IL 37.69156, -89.173832 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/11/2026Cedar Lake--Cedar Creek Boat Ramp1 observed

Northern House Wren (Northern)

Troglodytes aedon

4/11/20261602 Broeking Road1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/9/2026Life On The Edge1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/9/20261 Starlight Ln, Carbondale US-IL 37.69156, -89.173831 observed

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

4/9/2026Hickory Ridge Rd, SNF, Pomona US-IL 37.67761, -89.392191 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/9/2026Union Hill2 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

4/7/2026Crab Orchard NWR--Spillway1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/7/2026Burning Star State Fish and Wildlife Area1 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

4/5/2026Creekside Apartments1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

4/13/2026

American Golden-Plover

24/13/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

4/13/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

4/13/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

64/13/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

224/13/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

4/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

4/13/2026

Great Egret

4/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

4/13/2026

Osprey

14/13/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

4/13/2026

Field Sparrow

4/13/2026

Song Sparrow

4/13/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

4/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

4/13/2026

Killdeer

4/13/2026

Bald Eagle

24/13/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

4/13/2026

American Crow

4/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Burning Star Mine for birding?
The best months to visit Burning Star Mine for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Burning Star Mine?
Notable species at Burning Star Mine include Snow Goose, Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull, Turkey Vulture, Northern Harrier. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Burning Star Mine?
Birding at Burning Star Mine is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Burning Star Mine?
Burning Star Mine offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.