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

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/14/2026Sports Club Dr. Fluddles1 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

4/13/2026Hastings Lake Forest Preserve1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/13/2026Samuel Myers Park1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

4/13/2026Illinois Beach SP (North Unit)--general1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/13/2026Cornerstone Condos, 74th St.3 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/12/2026Oak Openings Nature Preserve1 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

4/12/2026Illinois Beach SP (South Unit)--general1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/11/2026Skokie River Preserve, Lake Forest1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

4/11/2026Illinois Beach SP (South Unit)--Nature Center Trails and Dead River1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

4/9/2026my house, Gurnee1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

4/8/2026Illinois Beach SP (North Unit)--North Loop Trails and Beach1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

4/7/2026Waukegan Harbor, Yacht Club, and Government Pier1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

214/12/2026

Blue-winged Teal

54/12/2026

Mallard

44/12/2026

Bufflehead

64/12/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

84/12/2026

Mourning Dove

34/12/2026

Horned Grebe

14/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/12/2026

House Finch

14/12/2026

Wood Duck

14/11/2026

Green-winged Teal

14/11/2026

Greater Scaup

14/11/2026

Lesser Scaup

14/11/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

14/11/2026

Virginia Rail

14/11/2026

Sora

14/11/2026

American Coot

24/11/2026

Sandhill Crane

24/11/2026

Wilson's Snipe

14/11/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/11/2026

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.