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

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/13/2026Mississippi Palisades SP--Miller’s Hollow1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/13/2026Princeton WMA1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

4/13/2026Princeton WMA1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/3/2026Upper Mississippi River NWR--Frog Pond1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

254/13/2026

Wood Duck

44/13/2026

Blue-winged Teal

504/13/2026

Northern Shoveler

204/13/2026

Gadwall

304/13/2026

Mallard

124/13/2026

Green-winged Teal

204/13/2026

Canvasback

14/13/2026

Ring-necked Duck

204/13/2026

Lesser Scaup

804/13/2026

Bufflehead

24/13/2026

Hooded Merganser

184/13/2026

Common Merganser

64/13/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

14/13/2026

Ruddy Duck

2004/13/2026

Mourning Dove

34/13/2026

American Coot

1004/13/2026

Sandhill Crane

14/13/2026

Killdeer

24/13/2026

Ring-billed Gull

44/13/2026

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.