a view of a city from across the water

Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, 6 AM - 11 PM

About This Location

Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 353 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, 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

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

7/14/2026Montrose Dunes, Lincoln Park1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

7/14/2026Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park2 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

7/14/2026Park No. 5661 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/13/2026Northerly Island1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/11/2026Techny Basin--north of Willow Rd.1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/11/2026West Ridge Nature Park1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

7/11/2026Park No. 5661 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

7/14/2026

Mallard

37/14/2026

Killdeer

47/14/2026

Piping Plover

37/14/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

27/14/2026

Sanderling

17/14/2026

Ring-billed Gull

7/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/14/2026

Downy Woodpecker

27/14/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

27/14/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

37/14/2026

Bank Swallow

27/14/2026

Purple Martin

7/14/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

17/14/2026

Barn Swallow

7/14/2026

Cliff Swallow

7/14/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/14/2026

European Starling

7/14/2026

American Robin

7/14/2026

House Sparrow

7/14/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

  4. 4

    Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park for birding?
The best months to visit Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park?
Notable species at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park include Canada Goose, Mallard, Greater Scaup, Red-breasted Merganser, Ring-billed Gull, Mourning Dove, European Starling, Red-winged Blackbird, Rock Pigeon, Killdeer, House Sparrow, Black-capped Chickadee. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park?
Birding at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park 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, Lincoln Park?
There is no entrance fee at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park. Hours: Open daily, 6 AM - 11 PM.
What amenities are available at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park?
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.