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

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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

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

4/12/2026Mermet Lake2 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/12/20261123 Country Club Road, Metropolis, IL3 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/12/2026Fort Massac State Park1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/10/2026Fort Massac State Park1 observed

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

4/10/2026Fort Massac State Park2 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/9/2026Mermet Lake1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/9/2026Mermet Lake1 observed

Bobolink

Dolichonyx oryzivorus

4/9/20267348 Benton Rd, Paducah US-KY 36.98532, -88.495941 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/7/20261123 Country Club Road, Metropolis, IL1 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

4/5/2026Pope County Road, Golconda, Illinois, US (37.295, -88.609)2 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/2/2026Stuart Nelson Park & Nature Trail1 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

4/2/2026Fort Massac State Park1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/2/2026Fort Massac State Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Vulture

14/13/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/13/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/13/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/13/2026

Blue Jay

14/13/2026

Carolina Chickadee

54/13/2026

Tufted Titmouse

54/13/2026

Purple Martin

24/13/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

24/13/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

94/13/2026

Carolina Wren

14/13/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/13/2026

American Goldfinch

14/13/2026

White-throated Sparrow

24/13/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

14/13/2026

Northern Parula

34/13/2026

Yellow-throated Warbler

34/13/2026

Northern Cardinal

44/13/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

14/10/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

24/10/2026

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 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.