Rend Lake Spillway
Illinois · Midwest
About This Location
Rend Lake Spillway is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Rock Pigeon, and Ring-billed Gull among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.
Location
Loading map...
Live Bird Data
Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Notable Sightings
Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days
Eastern Warbling Vireo
Vireo gilvus
Northern House Wren
Troglodytes aedon
Dunlin
Calidris alpina
Green Heron
Butorides virescens
Common Yellowthroat
Geothlypis trichas
Indigo Bunting
Passerina cyanea
Eastern Kingbird
Tyrannus tyrannus
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Bonaparte's Gull
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Red-bellied Woodpecker
White-eyed Vireo
American Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Tree Swallow
Purple Martin
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Carolina Wren
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
Field Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Red-winged Blackbird
Prothonotary Warbler
Birding Tips
- 1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
- 2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
- 3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.
Amenities
More in Illinois
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary
Chicago's top birding spot where the Magic Hedge traps migrating songbirds.
Jackson Park / Wooded Island
Chicago South Side migrant trap on a historic Wooded Island with 250+ species and outstanding warbler fallouts.
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 →