Illinois Beach State Park - South Unit
Illinois · Midwest
Easy
April-May, September-October
Free
Open daily, sunrise to sunset
About This Location
Illinois Beach State Park - South Unit is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 319 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Canvasback 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
Least Flycatcher
Empidonax minimus
Merlin
Falco columbarius
Snow Goose
Anser caerulescens
Hudsonian Whimbrel
Numenius hudsonicus
Common Loon
Gavia immer
Tennessee Warbler
Leiothlypis peregrina
Common Merganser
Mergus merganser
Bell's Vireo
Vireo bellii
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Corthylio calendula
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)
Setophaga coronata
Northern Harrier
Circus hudsonius
Broad-winged Hawk
Buteo platypterus
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Sandhill Crane
Ring-billed Gull
Red-headed Woodpecker
Eastern Kingbird
Eastern Warbling Vireo
Bank Swallow
Barn Swallow
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Eastern Bluebird
Cedar Waxwing
American Goldfinch
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Yellowthroat
Northern Cardinal
Indigo Bunting
Wood Duck
Mallard
Birding Tips
- 1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
- 2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
- 3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.
- 4
Consider purchasing an annual parks pass if you plan to visit multiple times.
- 5
Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- North Point Marina
- Chiwaukee Prairie
- Waukegan Beach
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 →