Montrose Harbor

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/5/2026Loyola Park1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/5/2026Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park4 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/4/2026Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

3/4/2026Bensenville Ditch1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

3/4/20261207 Dobson1 observed

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

3/3/2026Lincoln Park--South Pond1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/3/2026Northerly Island13 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/2/2026Lincoln Park--Jarvis Bird Sanctuary4 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

3/1/2026Bailey House1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Black Duck

13/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

63/5/2026

American Coot

33/5/2026

Canada Goose

153/5/2026

Mallard

203/5/2026

Greater Scaup

53/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

33/5/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

63/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

93/5/2026

American Herring Gull

23/5/2026

European Starling

153/5/2026

American Robin

33/5/2026

House Sparrow

253/5/2026

American Wigeon

43/5/2026

Killdeer

13/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

13/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/5/2026

House Finch

13/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/4/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

23/4/2026

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.