Coastal birding habitat

Kennekuk Cove County Park

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
CoastalUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Kennekuk Cove County Park is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and urban park habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, and Bald Eagle 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

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/14/2026N Vermilion West Rd, Homer US-IL (40.0561,-87.9393)1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/14/202632947 North 1700 East Road, Rossville, Illinois, US (40.343, -87.625)1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/14/2026Suncrest Drive, Danville1 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

4/14/2026Suncrest Drive, Danville1 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

4/14/2026Suncrest Drive, Danville1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

4/12/2026402 Cypress Court, Saint Joseph, Illinois, US (40.113, -88.021)1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/12/2026St. Joseph Wetland1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

4/11/2026Hidden Acres Park1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/11/2026Homer Lake Forest Preserve1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/11/2026Home

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/10/2026Suncrest Drive, Danville1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/9/2026Homer Lake Forest Preserve, Homer US-IL 40.06160, -87.983681 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/8/2026Middle Fork River FP--South Waterfowl Management Area1 observed

Palm Warbler (Western)

Setophaga palmarum

4/7/2026Homer Lake Forest Preserve1 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

4/4/2026Suncrest Drive, Danville1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/2/2026Ogden, Illinois. Private2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

104/11/2026

Wood Duck

24/11/2026

Blue-winged Teal

64/11/2026

Mourning Dove

24/11/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

84/11/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/11/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/11/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

14/11/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

14/11/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

44/11/2026

Downy Woodpecker

44/11/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/11/2026

Blue Jay

34/11/2026

American Crow

44/11/2026

Carolina Chickadee

34/11/2026

Tufted Titmouse

54/11/2026

Tree Swallow

44/11/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

54/11/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/11/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

34/11/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Kennekuk Cove County Park for birding?
The best months to visit Kennekuk Cove County Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Kennekuk Cove County Park?
Notable species at Kennekuk Cove County Park include Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Bald Eagle, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-headed Woodpecker. The area supports coastal, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Kennekuk Cove County Park?
Birding at Kennekuk Cove County Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Kennekuk Cove County Park?
Kennekuk Cove County Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.