Rainbow Beach
Illinois · Midwest
About This Location
Rainbow Beach is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 263 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, 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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Live Bird Data
Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Notable Sightings
Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days
Cerulean Warbler
Setophaga cerulea
Northern Mockingbird
Mimus polyglottos
Willet
Tringa semipalmata
Semipalmated Plover
Charadrius semipalmatus
Willet (Eastern)
Tringa semipalmata
Lincoln's Sparrow
Melospiza lincolnii
American Pipit
Anthus rubescens
Solitary Sandpiper
Tringa solitaria
Common Tern
Sterna hirundo
White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Mallard
Chimney Swift
Killdeer
Spotted Sandpiper
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Caspian Tern
Double-crested Cormorant
Black-crowned Night Heron
Turkey Vulture
American Crow
Bank Swallow
Tree Swallow
Purple Martin
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
European Starling
Gray Catbird
House Sparrow
Birding Tips
- 1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
- 2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
- 3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.
Amenities
More in Illinois
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Chicago's top birding spot where the Magic Hedge traps migrating songbirds.
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Illinois Beach State Park
Illinois' last natural Lake Michigan shore with 300+ species, shorebird migration, and grassland birds.
Illinois Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Illinois →