Moorman Swine Research Unit, Champaign

Illinois · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

GrasslandWetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Moorman Swine Research Unit, Champaign is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 203 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and Mallard 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

Canada Goose Gadwall Mallard Mourning Dove American Coot

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

6/1/2026Crystal Lake Park, Urbana1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

5/26/2026Backyard1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

5/26/2026Ward home1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/25/2026Charles Street1 observed

American Golden-Plover

Pluvialis dominica

5/25/20261000 E and 500 N Fluddle1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

5/25/2026Legacy Ave Ponds2 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

5/25/2026Edna Edwards Burnett Land and Water Reserve1 observed

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

5/25/2026Lodge Park Forest Preserve--Bucks Pond and Cemetery2 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

5/25/2026River Bend Forest Preserve1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/21/2026Carle Park, Urbana1 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

5/20/2026500 N and Rt. 45 Fluddle2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

5/31/2026

Mallard

5/31/2026

Killdeer

35/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/31/2026

American Crow

165/31/2026

Tree Swallow

55/31/2026

European Starling

5/31/2026

American Robin

5/31/2026

Cedar Waxwing

15/31/2026

Song Sparrow

25/31/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

5/31/2026

Common Grackle

5/31/2026

Dickcissel

35/31/2026

Hooded Merganser

15/31/2026

Rock Pigeon

15/31/2026

Mourning Dove

35/31/2026

Chimney Swift

15/31/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

25/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.
2
Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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Illinois Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Illinois →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Moorman Swine Research Unit, Champaign for birding?▼

The best months to visit Moorman Swine Research Unit, Champaign for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Moorman Swine Research Unit, Champaign?▼

Notable species at Moorman Swine Research Unit, Champaign include Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Mourning Dove, American Coot. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Moorman Swine Research Unit, Champaign?▼

Birding at Moorman Swine Research Unit, Champaign is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Moorman Swine Research Unit, Champaign?▼

Moorman Swine Research Unit, Champaign offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.