Grassland birding habitat

Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26, Alton

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26, Alton is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Gadwall 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

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

7/11/20263214 Charlotte Ct Alton US-IL

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/11/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/11/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

7/10/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Carolina Chickadee

Poecile carolinensis

7/8/20261240 Gerber Road, Edwardsville, Illinois, US (38.797, -89.932)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

297/10/2026

Wild Turkey

17/10/2026

Killdeer

17/10/2026

Great Egret

67/10/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/10/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/10/2026

House Sparrow

17/10/2026

House Finch

17/10/2026

Song Sparrow

17/10/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

17/10/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

257/10/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/10/2026

Indigo Bunting

27/10/2026

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 Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26, Alton for birding?
The best months to visit Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26, Alton for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26, Alton?
Notable species at Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26, Alton include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Gadwall, Mallard, Green-winged Teal. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26, Alton?
Birding at Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26, Alton is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26, Alton?
Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26, Alton offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.