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
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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
Dunlin
Calidris alpina
Ring-necked Duck
Aythya collaris
Northern Parula
Setophaga americana
Magnolia Warbler
Setophaga magnolia
Blackburnian Warbler
Setophaga fusca
Black-bellied Plover
Pluvialis squatarola
Semipalmated Plover
Charadrius semipalmatus
Bell's Vireo
Vireo bellii
Western Kingbird
Tyrannus verticalis
Merlin
Falco columbarius
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Red-breasted Merganser
Mourning Dove
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Caspian Tern
Double-crested Cormorant
Red-headed Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Least Flycatcher
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Philadelphia Vireo
Eastern Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
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
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Illinois Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Illinois →