Grassland birding habitat

East Cape Girardeau

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

East Cape Girardeau is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Killdeer, Northern Harrier, and American Crow 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-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/13/2026Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center3 observed

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

4/10/2026LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/10/2026LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

4/10/2026LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/10/2026Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/9/20265545 Old Cape Road, Jonesboro, Illinois, US (37.384, -89.349)1 observed

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

4/8/2026Horseshoe Lake--West Side Dr.1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/4/2026The Schoolhouse1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/3/2026Trail of Tears State Forest--Ozark Hills Nature Preserve Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Vulture

14/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/16/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/16/2026

American Crow

14/16/2026

Carolina Wren

14/16/2026

European Starling

34/16/2026

American Robin

34/16/2026

House Sparrow

14/16/2026

Northern Cardinal

54/16/2026

Wood Duck

24/16/2026

Mourning Dove

24/16/2026

Osprey

14/16/2026

Barred Owl

14/16/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/16/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/16/2026

White-eyed Vireo

14/16/2026

Fish Crow

24/16/2026

Carolina Chickadee

14/16/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/16/2026

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 East Cape Girardeau for birding?
The best months to visit East Cape Girardeau for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at East Cape Girardeau?
Notable species at East Cape Girardeau include Killdeer, Northern Harrier, American Crow, American Robin, Canada Goose. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at East Cape Girardeau?
Birding at East Cape Girardeau is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at East Cape Girardeau?
East Cape Girardeau offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.