Coastal birding habitat

Montrose Harbor

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Montrose Harbor is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 279 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts American Wigeon, Mallard, and Greater Scaup 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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

7/21/2026Grant Park--Museum Campus1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/20/2026Northbrook House New1 observed

American Black Duck

Anas rubripes

7/20/202610300 West Higgins Road, Rosemont, Illinois, US (42, -87.887)2 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/20/2026Northerly Island2 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

7/19/2026Rainbow Beach1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

7/19/2026Rainbow Beach2 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

7/18/2026Opa And Oma (House N)

Upland Sandpiper

Bartramia longicauda

7/18/2026Jackson Park--Columbia Basin1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

2007/16/2026

Mallard

17/16/2026

Ring-billed Gull

307/16/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/16/2026

Purple Martin

107/16/2026

Barn Swallow

57/16/2026

Northern House Wren

17/16/2026

European Starling

207/16/2026

American Robin

27/16/2026

House Sparrow

57/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

37/16/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

17/16/2026

Common Grackle

57/16/2026

Rock Pigeon

7/11/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

7/11/2026

Chimney Swift

67/9/2026

Green Heron

17/9/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/9/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/9/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

37/9/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 Montrose Harbor for birding?
The best months to visit Montrose Harbor for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Montrose Harbor?
Notable species at Montrose Harbor include American Wigeon, Mallard, Greater Scaup, Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Montrose Harbor?
Birding at Montrose Harbor is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Montrose Harbor?
Montrose Harbor offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.