Mountain birding habitat

Fox Ridge State Park

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Mountain
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fox Ridge State Park is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This mountain habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Killdeer, and Turkey Vulture 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

4/15/202661938, Mattoon US-IL 39.49311, -88.290781 observed

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

4/14/2026Lake Charleston1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/14/2026Lake Charleston1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/14/2026Lake Charleston1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/13/2026Lakeview Park, Charleston3 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/12/2026Fox Ridge State Park1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/9/2026Lake Charleston1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

4/7/202661920, Charleston US-IL (39.5920,-88.2159)1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

4/6/2026Lake Charleston1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

44/12/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/12/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

44/12/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/12/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/12/2026

Eastern Phoebe

24/12/2026

Blue Jay

44/12/2026

American Crow

24/12/2026

Carolina Chickadee

44/12/2026

Tufted Titmouse

44/12/2026

Carolina Wren

24/12/2026

Chipping Sparrow

54/12/2026

Louisiana Waterthrush

14/12/2026

Barred Owl

14/12/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/12/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

24/12/2026

Eastern Bluebird

24/12/2026

American Robin

14/12/2026

American Goldfinch

34/12/2026

White-throated Sparrow

34/12/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.

  2. 2

    Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.

  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 Fox Ridge State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Fox Ridge State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fox Ridge State Park?
Notable species at Fox Ridge State Park include Mourning Dove, Killdeer, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports mountain habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fox Ridge State Park?
Birding at Fox Ridge State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Fox Ridge State Park?
Fox Ridge State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.