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

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

6/3/2026Bird Feeder1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

6/3/2026Edgewater - Granville/Winthrop1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

6/3/2026Marquette Park1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/2/2026Lincoln Park--Diversey Harbor1 observed

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

196/3/2026

Mallard

16/3/2026

Mourning Dove

16/3/2026

Killdeer

16/3/2026

Piping Plover

26/3/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

36/3/2026

Ring-billed Gull

86/3/2026

American Herring Gull

26/3/2026

Caspian Tern

76/3/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

26/3/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

36/3/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

36/3/2026

Tree Swallow

16/3/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

86/3/2026

Barn Swallow

26/3/2026

American Robin

46/3/2026

House Sparrow

86/3/2026

American Goldfinch

36/3/2026

Song Sparrow

36/3/2026

Baltimore Oriole

16/3/2026

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.