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

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

6/3/2026Moraine Hills SP--McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

6/3/2026Home2 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose (Western)

Anser albifrons

6/2/2026Moraine Hills SP--McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/2/2026Druce Lake1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

6/2/2026Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

6/1/2026Liberty Prairie Nature Preserve1 observed

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

6/1/2026Union Rd. & Hemmingsen Rd. Fluddle1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

6/1/2026Moraine Hills SP--McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

5/31/2026Deer Park Mall Ponds1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/31/2026North Branch Conservation Area1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/31/2026Bridge over Des Plaines River Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

116/2/2026

Wood Duck

26/2/2026

Mallard

26/2/2026

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

Sandhill Crane

26/2/2026

Great Egret

16/2/2026

Willow Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/2/2026

American Crow

16/2/2026

Tree Swallow

76/2/2026

Purple Martin

86/2/2026

Barn Swallow

16/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/2/2026

Marsh Wren

16/2/2026

Gray Catbird

16/2/2026

American Robin

86/2/2026

Cedar Waxwing

46/2/2026

House Sparrow

16/2/2026

Song Sparrow

36/2/2026

Swamp Sparrow

36/2/2026

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.