the mountains are reflected in the still water of the river

Jackson Park - Wooded Island/Bobolink Meadow area

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
CoastalGrasslandUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, 6 AM - 11 PM

About This Location

Jackson Park - Wooded Island/Bobolink Meadow area is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 284 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and grassland habitat attracts Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, and Red-breasted Merganser 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

Eastern Screech-Owl

Megascops asio

8/23/2026Lincoln Park--Jarvis Bird Sanctuary2 observed

Eastern Screech-Owl (Northern)

Megascops asio

8/23/2026Lincoln Park--Jarvis Bird Sanctuary2 observed

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

8/23/2026Jackson Park--Wooded Island/Bobolink Meadow area1 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

8/23/2026Lincoln Park Zoo5 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

8/23/2026Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park2 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

8/23/2026Park No. 5661 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

8/23/2026Burnham Prairie Nature Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

68/23/2026

Wood Duck

58/23/2026

Mallard

88/23/2026

Chimney Swift

48/23/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

38/23/2026

Ring-billed Gull

108/23/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

28/23/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

18/23/2026

Green Heron

18/23/2026

Great Egret

38/23/2026

Great Blue Heron

38/23/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

18/23/2026

Downy Woodpecker

18/23/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

28/23/2026

Barn Swallow

88/23/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

28/23/2026

Gray Catbird

28/23/2026

American Robin

38/23/2026

American Goldfinch

108/23/2026

Grasshopper Sparrow

18/23/2026

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

    This urban green space acts as a migrant trap — birds concentrate here during migration, especially after overnight flights.

  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 Jackson Park - Wooded Island/Bobolink Meadow area for birding?
The best months to visit Jackson Park - Wooded Island/Bobolink Meadow area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Jackson Park - Wooded Island/Bobolink Meadow area?
Notable species at Jackson Park - Wooded Island/Bobolink Meadow area include Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Bald Eagle, Downy Woodpecker, Mourning Dove, European Starling, Red-winged Blackbird, Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull, Black-capped Chickadee, Dark-eyed Junco. The area supports coastal, grassland, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Jackson Park - Wooded Island/Bobolink Meadow area?
Birding at Jackson Park - Wooded Island/Bobolink Meadow area is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Jackson Park - Wooded Island/Bobolink Meadow area?
There is no entrance fee at Jackson Park - Wooded Island/Bobolink Meadow area. Hours: Open daily, 6 AM - 11 PM.
What amenities are available at Jackson Park - Wooded Island/Bobolink Meadow area?
Jackson Park - Wooded Island/Bobolink Meadow area offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.