Grassland birding habitat

Chain of Rocks Bridge area

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Chain of Rocks Bridge area is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland 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

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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

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

7/10/20263214 Charlotte Ct Alton US-IL

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

7/10/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

7/9/2026Mississippi River Greenway (Jefferson Barracks Park to Casino)1 observed

Carolina Chickadee

Poecile carolinensis

7/8/20261240 Gerber Road, Edwardsville, Illinois, US (38.797, -89.932)1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/7/2026Alton Slough-RMBS1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/7/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/7/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Bobwhite

67/9/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/9/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/9/2026

Bell's Vireo

17/9/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/9/2026

Blue Jay

57/9/2026

American Crow

17/9/2026

Tree Swallow

37/9/2026

Carolina Wren

27/9/2026

American Robin

17/9/2026

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

17/9/2026

American Goldfinch

47/9/2026

Grasshopper Sparrow

27/9/2026

Song Sparrow

57/9/2026

Eastern Towhee

37/9/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

47/9/2026

Orchard Oriole

17/9/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

317/9/2026

Common Yellowthroat

167/9/2026

American Redstart

17/9/2026

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 Chain of Rocks Bridge area for birding?
The best months to visit Chain of Rocks Bridge area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Chain of Rocks Bridge area?
Notable species at Chain of Rocks Bridge area include Eastern Meadowlark, Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, Northern Harrier, Bobolink. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chain of Rocks Bridge area?
Birding at Chain of Rocks Bridge area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Chain of Rocks Bridge area?
Chain of Rocks Bridge area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.