Kidd Lake Marsh State Natural Area

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Kidd Lake Marsh State Natural Area is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 239 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/6/2026Milles Fleurs Nature Preserve1 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

3/5/2026Ste. Genevieve Levee Wildlife Refuge14 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

3/1/2026Kaskaskia River SFWA--Baldwin Lake (Randolph Co.)1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

2/28/2026Kaskaskia River SFWA--Baldwin Lake (Randolph Co.)1 observed

Northern Shrike

Lanius borealis

2/28/2026Kaskaskia River SFWA--Dry Lake1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (Krider's)

Buteo jamaicensis

2/24/20264104 Levee Road, Valmeyer, Illinois, US (38.226, -90.341)1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (calurus/abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

2/24/20263321 Saintte Route 155, Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, US (38.1, -90.066)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

423/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

313/6/2026

Gadwall

63/6/2026

Mallard

533/6/2026

Northern Pintail

43/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

153/6/2026

Hooded Merganser

33/6/2026

Mourning Dove

23/6/2026

Killdeer

73/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/6/2026

American White Pelican

373/6/2026

Turkey Vulture

23/6/2026

Bald Eagle

13/6/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

23/6/2026

American Kestrel

23/6/2026

American Crow

23/6/2026

Horned Lark

83/6/2026

Northern Mockingbird

23/6/2026

American Goldfinch

23/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Kidd Lake Marsh State Natural Area for birding?
The best months to visit Kidd Lake Marsh State Natural Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Kidd Lake Marsh State Natural Area?
Notable species at Kidd Lake Marsh State Natural Area include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Kidd Lake Marsh State Natural Area?
Birding at Kidd Lake Marsh State Natural Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Kidd Lake Marsh State Natural Area?
Kidd Lake Marsh State Natural Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.