Cache River State Natural Area
Illinois · Midwest
Moderate
April-May, September-October
About This Location
Cache River State Natural Area is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.
Location
Loading map...
Live Bird Data
Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Notable Sightings
Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days
Eastern Kingbird
Tyrannus tyrannus
Semipalmated Plover
Charadrius semipalmatus
Hudsonian Godwit
Limosa haemastica
Palm Warbler
Setophaga palmarum
Wood Thrush
Hylocichla mustelina
Black-bellied Plover
Pluvialis squatarola
Northern House Wren
Troglodytes aedon
Spotted Sandpiper
Actitis macularius
Common Yellowthroat
Geothlypis trichas
Tennessee Warbler
Leiothlypis peregrina
Dunlin
Calidris alpina
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck
Dendrocygna autumnalis
Eastern Warbling Vireo
Vireo gilvus
Chimney Swift
Chaetura pelagica
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Blue-winged Teal
Northern Shoveler
Green-winged Teal
Chimney Swift
Killdeer
Wilson's Phalarope
Lesser Yellowlegs
Greater Yellowlegs
Least Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Great Blue Heron
Eastern Screech-Owl
Barred Owl
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Marsh Wren
Common Yellowthroat
Northern Cardinal
Wood Duck
Birding Tips
- 1
Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.
- 2
Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.
- 3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.
Amenities
More in Illinois
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary
Chicago's top birding spot where the Magic Hedge traps migrating songbirds.
Jackson Park / Wooded Island
Chicago South Side migrant trap on a historic Wooded Island with 250+ species and outstanding warbler fallouts.
Illinois Beach State Park
Illinois' last natural Lake Michigan shore with 300+ species, shorebird migration, and grassland birds.
Illinois Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Illinois →