Grassland birding habitat

Moraine View State Park

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Moraine View State Park is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 238 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Ring-billed Gull 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

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

5/31/20265 Drake Ct, Bloomington US-IL 40.47339, -88.927651 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

5/27/2026400 N. and 1100 E., Shirley1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/26/2026Eastern Screech-owl box1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

5/25/2026Heyworth Quarry Ponds (roadside birding only)1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/23/2026Forrest Park1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

5/23/2026Moraine View State Recreation Area, Ellsworth US-IL 40.41091, -88.723172 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

5/22/2026Clinton Lake SRA--Mascoutin Beach and Boat Ramp6 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

5/20/2026Saybrook Habitat Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Hairy Woodpecker

15/25/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/25/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/25/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/25/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/25/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

25/25/2026

Gray Catbird

25/25/2026

Kentucky Warbler

15/25/2026

Northern Parula

35/25/2026

Alder Flycatcher

15/24/2026

Mourning Warbler

15/24/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

15/24/2026

Canada Goose

15/24/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/24/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/24/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/24/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/24/2026

American Crow

15/24/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/24/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/24/2026

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 View State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Moraine View State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Moraine View State Park?
Notable species at Moraine View State Park include Canada Goose, Mallard, Ring-billed Gull, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Moraine View State Park?
Birding at Moraine View 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 View State Park?
Moraine View State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.