Grassland birding habitat

Moraine Hills State Park

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Moraine Hills State Park is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Sandhill Crane, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/20/2026Highland Ave1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

7/20/2026Home2 observed

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

7/19/2026Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)

Setophaga coronata

7/19/2026Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/19/2026Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/19/2026Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

7/19/2026Chain-o-Lakes State Park1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/19/2026Sports Club Dr. Fluddles1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

7/15/2026Paul Douglas Forest Preserve (Grassy Ridge Meadow)2 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/10/2026North Branch Conservation Area1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/7/2026Moraine Hills SP--McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

147/11/2026

Great Egret

27/11/2026

Blue Jay

17/11/2026

Bank Swallow

27/11/2026

Tree Swallow

47/11/2026

Purple Martin

147/11/2026

Barn Swallow

37/11/2026

Northern House Wren

17/11/2026

Brown Thrasher

17/11/2026

American Robin

27/11/2026

Cedar Waxwing

237/11/2026

House Sparrow

17/11/2026

House Finch

17/11/2026

American Goldfinch

17/11/2026

Song Sparrow

17/11/2026

Swamp Sparrow

17/11/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

47/11/2026

Common Yellowthroat

37/11/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

17/11/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/11/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Moraine Hills State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Moraine Hills State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Moraine Hills State Park?
Notable species at Moraine Hills State Park include Canada Goose, Sandhill Crane, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Moraine Hills State Park?
Birding at Moraine Hills State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Moraine Hills State Park?
Moraine Hills State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.