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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

7/12/2026Carlyle Lake--Whitetail Access (Clinton Co.)2 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/11/2026Chipwood Ln, Centralia US-IL (38.5402,-89.1003)1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/8/2026Carlyle Lake--Whitetail Access (Clinton Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

67/21/2026

Mallard

47/21/2026

Mourning Dove

27/21/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/21/2026

Killdeer

17/21/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

47/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

1207/21/2026

Great Egret

67/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/21/2026

Osprey

37/21/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/21/2026

Northern House Wren

27/21/2026

Gray Catbird

27/21/2026

American Goldfinch

37/21/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/21/2026

Northern Cardinal

37/21/2026

Blue Grosbeak

17/21/2026

Indigo Bunting

37/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/19/2026

Caspian Tern

17/19/2026

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.