Grassland birding habitat

Fort Massac State Park

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fort Massac State Park is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Bald Eagle, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Northern Flicker among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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

Sora

Porzana carolina

7/10/2026West KY WMA--portion south of KY 3581 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/8/202611150 Ogden Landing Rd, Kevil US-KY (37.1448,-88.8360)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

37/6/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/6/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

17/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/6/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/6/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

17/6/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

37/6/2026

White-eyed Vireo

27/6/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

17/6/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/6/2026

Blue Jay

27/6/2026

American Crow

17/6/2026

Fish Crow

17/6/2026

Carolina Chickadee

47/6/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/6/2026

Purple Martin

87/6/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/6/2026

Carolina Wren

17/6/2026

European Starling

57/6/2026

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 Fort Massac State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Fort Massac State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fort Massac State Park?
Notable species at Fort Massac State Park include Bald Eagle, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, American Kestrel, Carolina Chickadee. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fort Massac State Park?
Birding at Fort Massac State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Fort Massac State Park?
Fort Massac State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.