Calm water with distant shore and cloudy sky

North Point Marina/State Line Beach, Winthrop Harbor

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free (parking fee applies)

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

North Point Marina/State Line Beach, Winthrop Harbor is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 284 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Bufflehead, and Killdeer 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

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

6/2/2026Waukegan Beach2 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/2/2026Druce Lake1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

6/2/2026Illinois Beach SP (North Unit)--general1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/2/2026Illinois Beach SP (South Unit)--general1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

6/2/2026Illinois Beach SP (South Unit)--general1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

6/2/2026Illinois Beach SP (South Unit)--general1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

6/2/2026North Point Marina/State Line Beach, Winthrop Harbor1 observed

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

6/2/2026Johns-Manville Corp. Superfund Site (restricted access)1 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

6/2/2026Colonial Park1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

6/2/2026Samuel Myers Park1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

6/2/2026Waukegan Beach2 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

6/1/2026Liberty Prairie Nature Preserve1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

6/1/2026Home-ish2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

16/2/2026

Killdeer

46/2/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

26/2/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

26/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1006/2/2026

American Herring Gull

226/2/2026

Caspian Tern

66/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

326/2/2026

American Crow

26/2/2026

Bank Swallow

86/2/2026

Barn Swallow

46/2/2026

Cliff Swallow

26/2/2026

European Starling

56/2/2026

American Robin

16/2/2026

House Finch

16/2/2026

Song Sparrow

16/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

26/2/2026

Common Grackle

26/2/2026

Common Yellowthroat

16/2/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

26/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

  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 North Point Marina/State Line Beach, Winthrop Harbor for birding?
The best months to visit North Point Marina/State Line Beach, Winthrop Harbor for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at North Point Marina/State Line Beach, Winthrop Harbor?
Notable species at North Point Marina/State Line Beach, Winthrop Harbor include Canada Goose, Bufflehead, Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Mallard, Mourning Dove, Blue Jay, American Crow, European Starling, American Robin, American Goldfinch. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at North Point Marina/State Line Beach, Winthrop Harbor?
Birding at North Point Marina/State Line Beach, Winthrop Harbor is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at North Point Marina/State Line Beach, Winthrop Harbor?
The entrance fee at North Point Marina/State Line Beach, Winthrop Harbor is Free (parking fee applies). Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at North Point Marina/State Line Beach, Winthrop Harbor?
North Point Marina/State Line Beach, Winthrop Harbor offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.