Illinois Beach State Park
Illinois · Midwest
Easy
August-October
Free
Dawn to dusk daily
About This Location
Illinois Beach State Park in Zion is the only remaining stretch of natural Lake Michigan shoreline in the state, protecting over 4,000 acres of beach, dune, wetland, and prairie habitats. The park has recorded more than 300 bird species, reflecting its diversity of habitats and strategic position along the western Lake Michigan migration corridor.
The Dead River mouth area and the North Unit beach are premier shorebird spots during fall migration, while the dune grasslands support nesting Grasshopper Sparrows and Dickcissels. Winter brings Snowy Owls, Snow Buntings, and Lapland Longspurs to the barren beach, and spring hawk migration can be observed from the lakeshore. The park is a reliable site for uncommon species that follow the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Location
Loading map...
Live Bird Data
Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Notable Sightings
Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days
Trumpeter Swan
Cygnus buccinator
Long-billed Dowitcher
Limnodromus scolopaceus
Northern Mockingbird
Mimus polyglottos
Wood Thrush
Hylocichla mustelina
Marsh Wren
Cistothorus palustris
Least Sandpiper
Calidris minutilla
Solitary Sandpiper
Tringa solitaria
Palm Warbler
Setophaga palmarum
Canvasback
Aythya valisineria
Northern Waterthrush
Parkesia noveboracensis
Blackburnian Warbler
Setophaga fusca
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Turkey Vulture
Broad-winged Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Purple Finch
White-throated Sparrow
Canada Goose
Mourning Dove
Double-crested Cormorant
American White Pelican
Cooper's Hawk
Bald Eagle
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Merlin
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Birding Tips
- 1
The Dead River area in the South Unit is the best spot for migrating shorebirds
- 2
Check the North Unit beach for Snowy Owls and longspurs in winter
- 3
The prairie trails in the Nature Preserve section host grassland breeding birds in summer
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Waukegan Harbor
- Chain O'Lakes State Park
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.
Lincoln Park / North Pond
Chicago lakefront glacial pond with restored habitat, migrant songbirds, and quiet urban birding.
Illinois Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Illinois →