Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26, Alton

Illinois · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

GrasslandWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

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

Canada Goose Wood Duck Gadwall Mallard Green-winged Teal

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

6/1/2026Orton Rd.1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

6/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary2 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

6/1/20263214 Charlotte Ct Alton US-IL

Carolina Chickadee

Poecile carolinensis

6/1/2026Home1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

6/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

6/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

6/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

5/31/20265601 N Lindbergh Blvd, Hazelwood US-MO 38.75964, -90.375261 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American White Pelican

15/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/28/2026

Bald Eagle

25/28/2026

Cliff Swallow

255/28/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

55/28/2026

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

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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 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.