Urban Park birding habitat

Cooper Park

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cooper Park is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, and Hooded Merganser 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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

5/29/2026Mendenhall Rd, Bartonville US-IL (40.6156,-89.6535)2 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

5/27/2026Mendenhall Park2 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/25/2026Camp Dallas, Spring Bay1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/25/2026Jubilee College State Park1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

5/24/202661611, East Peoria US-IL (40.6862,-89.5777)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

95/25/2026

Mourning Dove

35/25/2026

Killdeer

35/25/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

15/25/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/25/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/25/2026

Blue Jay

15/25/2026

Tree Swallow

105/25/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

25/25/2026

Barn Swallow

45/25/2026

Northern House Wren

15/25/2026

European Starling

25/25/2026

Gray Catbird

15/25/2026

American Robin

65/25/2026

House Sparrow

15/25/2026

Song Sparrow

25/25/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

125/25/2026

Common Grackle

15/25/2026

Common Yellowthroat

35/25/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  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 Cooper Park for birding?
The best months to visit Cooper Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cooper Park?
Notable species at Cooper Park include Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cooper Park?
Birding at Cooper Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Cooper Park?
Cooper Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.