a forest filled with lots of green trees

Illinois Beach State Park - South Unit

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

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

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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

Blue-winged x Cinnamon Teal (hybrid)

Spatula discors x cyanoptera

4/18/202653142, Kenosha US-WI 42.55606, -87.847081 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/18/2026Chiwaukee Prairie West Restoration (West of railroad only)1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

4/18/2026Chiwaukee Prairie West Restoration (West of railroad only)3 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

4/18/2026Raven Glen Forest Preserve1 observed

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

4/18/2026Chiwaukee Prairie West Restoration (West of railroad only)1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

4/17/2026Wadsworth HuntClub Roundabout2 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/17/2026Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/18/2026

Wood Duck

24/18/2026

Blue-winged Teal

64/18/2026

Northern Shoveler

84/18/2026

Mallard

24/18/2026

Ring-necked Duck

14/18/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

264/18/2026

Mourning Dove

34/18/2026

Sora

14/18/2026

American Coot

14/18/2026

Sandhill Crane

24/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/18/2026

American Herring Gull

14/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

54/18/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

14/18/2026

Bald Eagle

14/18/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

34/18/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

24/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

  4. 4

    Consider purchasing an annual parks pass if you plan to visit multiple times.

  5. 5

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Illinois Beach State Park - South Unit for birding?
The best months to visit Illinois Beach State Park - South Unit for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Illinois Beach State Park - South Unit?
Notable species at Illinois Beach State Park - South Unit include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Canvasback, Common Goldeneye, Ring-billed Gull, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Killdeer, American Herring Gull, Blue Jay, American Crow, European Starling. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Illinois Beach State Park - South Unit?
Birding at Illinois Beach State Park - South Unit is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Illinois Beach State Park - South Unit?
There is no entrance fee at Illinois Beach State Park - South Unit. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Illinois Beach State Park - South Unit?
Illinois Beach State Park - South Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.