Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary
Illinois · Midwest
Easy
May
Free
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
Northern Mockingbird
Mimus polyglottos
White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Sitta canadensis
American Black Duck
Anas rubripes
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Nyctanassa violacea
Common Merganser
Mergus merganser
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscus
Fish Crow
Corvus ossifragus
Upland Sandpiper
Bartramia longicauda
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Mourning Dove
Killdeer
Piping Plover
Spotted Sandpiper
Ring-billed Gull
Caspian Tern
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Northern Flicker
Willow Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Purple Martin
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
American Robin
House Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Northern Cardinal
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Birding Tips
- 1
Bird the Magic Hedge area first thing in the morning
- 2
Check the beach and fishing pier for waterbirds and shorebirds
- 3
Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity
- 4
Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors
- 5
Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Lincoln Park Zoo
More in Illinois
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Chicago South Side migrant trap on a historic Wooded Island with 250+ species and outstanding warbler fallouts.
Illinois Beach State Park
Illinois' last natural Lake Michigan shore with 300+ species, shorebird migration, and grassland birds.
Lincoln Park / North Pond
Chicago lakefront glacial pond with restored habitat, migrant songbirds, and quiet urban birding.
Illinois Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Illinois →