The Magic Hedge at Montrose Point with Lake Michigan in background

Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Urban ParkCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

6:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily

About This Location

Montrose Point juts into Lake Michigan on Chicago's North Side, creating a natural migrant trap known locally as the Magic Hedge. Over 300 species have been recorded at this small urban hotspot, making it Chicago's best birding location.

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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

6/2/2026Montrose Dunes, Lincoln Park2 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

6/2/2026Techny Basin--north of Willow Rd.2 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

6/2/20267859 S South Shore Dr, Chicago US-IL 41.75317, -87.548211 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

6/2/2026Montrose Point1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/2/2026St. Paul Woods1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/2/2026Lincoln Park Zoo1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

6/2/2026Ronan Park1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

6/2/2026Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

16/2/2026

Mallard

16/2/2026

Piping Plover

16/2/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

16/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

16/2/2026

Caspian Tern

16/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

16/2/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

16/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/2/2026

European Starling

16/2/2026

Gray Catbird

16/2/2026

American Robin

16/2/2026

House Sparrow

16/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

16/2/2026

Common Grackle

16/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/2/2026

Chimney Swift

16/2/2026

Killdeer

26/2/2026

Dunlin

26/2/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

6/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bird the Magic Hedge area first thing in the morning

  2. 2

    Check the beach and fishing pier for waterbirds and shorebirds

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors

  5. 5

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary for birding?
The best months to visit Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary for birding are May. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary?
Notable species at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary include Connecticut Warbler, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Common Nighthawk, Nelson's Sparrow, Whimbrel, American Wigeon, Greater Scaup, Red-breasted Merganser, Double-crested Cormorant, Red-winged Blackbird. The area supports urban park, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary?
Birding at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary?
There is no entrance fee at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary. Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily.
What amenities are available at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary?
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.