Grassland birding habitat

LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 217 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, and Downy Woodpecker 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

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/14/2026Thompson Woods1 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

4/13/20267398 Hickory Ridge Rd, Pomona, IL1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/13/2026Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center3 observed

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

4/12/2026Hickory Ridge, SNF,, Pomona US-IL 37.65903, -89.375121 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

4/11/20261 Starlight Ln, Carbondale US-IL 37.69156, -89.173832 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/11/2026Cedar Lake--Cedar Creek Boat Ramp1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/11/2026Oakwood Bottoms--Greentree Reservoir2 observed

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

4/10/2026LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/10/2026LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

4/10/2026LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/10/2026Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Worm-eating Warbler

14/11/2026

Indigo Bunting

14/11/2026

Canada Goose

14/10/2026

Wood Duck

14/10/2026

Great Egret

44/10/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/10/2026

Bald Eagle

14/10/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

44/10/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/10/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/10/2026

White-eyed Vireo

54/10/2026

Blue Jay

34/10/2026

Carolina Chickadee

74/10/2026

Tufted Titmouse

64/10/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

24/10/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/10/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

74/10/2026

Carolina Wren

104/10/2026

American Goldfinch

34/10/2026

White-throated Sparrow

54/10/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area for birding?
The best months to visit LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area?
Notable species at LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area include Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Downy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area?
Birding at LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area?
LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.