Grassland birding habitat

Eldon Hazlet State Park

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Eldon Hazlet State Park is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 287 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Mallard 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

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/15/2026Carlyle Sewage Ponds (restricted access)2 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/14/2026South Shore Park--Crappie Cove1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/14/2026South Shore Park--Crappie Cove1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/13/2026General Dean Suspension Bridge Park4 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/13/2026General Dean Suspension Bridge Park1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/12/20261153–1199 19th St, Carlyle US-IL (38.6166,-89.3822)1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/11/2026Carlyle Sewage Ponds (restricted access)15 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/11/2026Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area Boat Ramp, Carlyle US-IL1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/10/20261153–1199 19th St, Carlyle US-IL (38.6166,-89.3822)1 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

4/10/2026Sale Barn Ave, Smithboro US-IL (38.8585,-89.3050)12 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bald Eagle

24/11/2026

American Coot

24/11/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

24/11/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/11/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/10/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/10/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/10/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/10/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/10/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

14/10/2026

Carolina Wren

14/10/2026

American Goldfinch

14/10/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/10/2026

White-throated Sparrow

24/10/2026

Song Sparrow

14/10/2026

Eastern Towhee

14/10/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

14/10/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/10/2026

Wood Duck

24/10/2026

Mourning Dove

14/10/2026

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 Eldon Hazlet State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Eldon Hazlet State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Eldon Hazlet State Park?
Notable species at Eldon Hazlet State Park include Snow Goose, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Ruddy Duck. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Eldon Hazlet State Park?
Birding at Eldon Hazlet State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Eldon Hazlet State Park?
Eldon Hazlet State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.