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

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/31/202620720 Illinois 84, Cordova, Illinois, US (41.769, -90.247)2 observed

Golden-winged x Blue-winged Warbler (hybrid)

Vermivora chrysoptera x cyanoptera

5/29/20267259–7999 Mill Hollow Rd, Savanna US-IL 42.16657, -90.162451 observed

Sanderling

Calidris alba

5/25/2026Big Slough Boat Ramp8 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

5/24/2026Big Slough Boat Ramp2 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

5/21/2026Lock and Dam 13 (Illinois)1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

5/21/2026Savanna-Sabula Bridge1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

5/20/2026Lock and Dam 13 (Illinois)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ring-billed Gull

205/29/2026

Great Egret

55/29/2026

American White Pelican

255/29/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

15/29/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/29/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/29/2026

Purple Martin

205/29/2026

Northern House Wren

15/29/2026

Song Sparrow

25/29/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

85/29/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

65/29/2026

Common Grackle

85/29/2026

Dickcissel

25/29/2026

Wood Duck

25/22/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/22/2026

Bald Eagle

15/22/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

15/22/2026

Eastern Kingbird

45/22/2026

Canada Goose

25/22/2026

Mourning Dove

15/22/2026

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.