Marshall SFWA - Marshall Unit

Illinois · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

GrasslandWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Marshall SFWA - Marshall Unit is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted 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

Snow Goose Greater White-fronted Goose Canada Goose Gadwall American Wigeon

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/25/2026Camp Dallas, Spring Bay1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

5/23/2026Pleasantview Rd, Washburn US-IL1 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

5/20/2026Outside Mcnabb IL1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

25/19/2026

Wood Duck

15/19/2026

Mourning Dove

25/19/2026

Chimney Swift

15/19/2026

Killdeer

15/19/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/19/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/19/2026

Blue Jay

15/19/2026

European Starling

15/19/2026

American Robin

15/19/2026

Cedar Waxwing

205/19/2026

Chipping Sparrow

15/19/2026

Song Sparrow

15/19/2026

Baltimore Oriole

25/19/2026

American Redstart

15/19/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

15/19/2026

Blackpoll Warbler

25/19/2026

Northern Cardinal

25/19/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.
2
Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Illinois

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Illinois Beach State Park

Illinois' last natural Lake Michigan shore with 300+ species, shorebird migration, and grassland birds.

Illinois Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Illinois →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Marshall SFWA - Marshall Unit for birding?▼

The best months to visit Marshall SFWA - Marshall Unit for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Marshall SFWA - Marshall Unit?▼

Notable species at Marshall SFWA - Marshall Unit include Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Wigeon. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Marshall SFWA - Marshall Unit?▼

Birding at Marshall SFWA - Marshall Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Marshall SFWA - Marshall Unit?▼

Marshall SFWA - Marshall Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.