Fermilab
Illinois · Midwest
Moderate
April-May, September-October
Free (government ID required for site access)
Open daily, 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM (hours vary seasonally)
About This Location
Fermilab is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 292 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and American Wigeon 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
Gadwall
Mareca strepera
Tennessee Warbler
Leiothlypis peregrina
Northern Mockingbird
Mimus polyglottos
Ruddy Duck
Oxyura jamaicensis
Lincoln's Sparrow
Melospiza lincolnii
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Sitta canadensis
Loggerhead Shrike
Lanius ludovicianus
Purple Finch
Haemorhous purpureus
Red-shouldered Hawk
Buteo lineatus
Painted Bunting
Passerina ciris
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Blue-winged Teal
Mallard
Ruddy Duck
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
American Coot
Caspian Tern
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Willow Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Birding Tips
- 1
Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.
- 2
Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.
- 3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.
- 4
Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.
- 5
Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Morton Arboretum
- Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
- Greene Valley Forest Preserve
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Illinois Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Illinois →