Gillson Park
Illinois · Midwest
About This Location
Gillson Park is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 273 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Redhead 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
Short-billed Dowitcher
Limnodromus griseus
Long-billed Dowitcher
Limnodromus scolopaceus
Lincoln's Sparrow
Melospiza lincolnii
Lark Sparrow
Chondestes grammacus
Cackling Goose
Branta hutchinsii
Laughing Gull
Leucophaeus atricilla
Marsh Wren
Cistothorus palustris
Chimney Swift
Chaetura pelagica
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Double-crested Cormorant
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Phoebe
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Brown Creeper
American Robin
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Palm Warbler
Canada Goose
Mallard
Red-breasted Merganser
Mourning Dove
Ring-billed Gull
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Purple Martin
Birding Tips
- 1
Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.
- 2
Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.
- 3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.
Amenities
More in Illinois
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary
Chicago's top birding spot where the Magic Hedge traps migrating songbirds.
Jackson Park / Wooded Island
Chicago South Side migrant trap on a historic Wooded Island with 250+ species and outstanding warbler fallouts.
Illinois Beach State Park
Illinois' last natural Lake Michigan shore with 300+ species, shorebird migration, and grassland birds.
Illinois Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Illinois →