Grassland birding habitat

Lock and Dam 13 (Illinois)

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lock and Dam 13 (Illinois) is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 245 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling Goose, and Canada Goose 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

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

7/7/2026Big Slough Boat Ramp1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

7/5/2026Big Slough Boat Ramp1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

7/2/2026Big Slough Boat Ramp2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

27/9/2026

Wood Duck

57/9/2026

Mallard

47/9/2026

Mourning Dove

37/9/2026

Killdeer

27/9/2026

Ring-billed Gull

147/9/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

357/9/2026

Green Heron

17/9/2026

Great Egret

147/9/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/9/2026

American White Pelican

1207/9/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

47/9/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/9/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/9/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

27/9/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/9/2026

Tree Swallow

507/9/2026

Purple Martin

127/9/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

57/9/2026

Barn Swallow

107/9/2026

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 Lock and Dam 13 (Illinois) for birding?
The best months to visit Lock and Dam 13 (Illinois) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lock and Dam 13 (Illinois)?
Notable species at Lock and Dam 13 (Illinois) include Greater White-fronted Goose, Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Trumpeter Swan. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lock and Dam 13 (Illinois)?
Birding at Lock and Dam 13 (Illinois) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lock and Dam 13 (Illinois)?
Lock and Dam 13 (Illinois) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.