Ryerson Conservation Area
Illinois · Midwest
Moderate
April-May, September-October
About This Location
Ryerson Conservation Area is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and Northern Harrier 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
Northern Mockingbird
Mimus polyglottos
Semipalmated Plover
Charadrius semipalmatus
Western Kingbird
Tyrannus verticalis
Dunlin
Calidris alpina
Magnolia Warbler
Setophaga magnolia
Laughing Gull
Leucophaeus atricilla
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Nyctanassa violacea
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelis
Lincoln's Sparrow
Melospiza lincolnii
Lesser Yellowlegs
Tringa flavipes
Nashville Warbler
Leiothlypis ruficapilla
Bell's Vireo
Vireo bellii
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Rock Pigeon
Chimney Swift
Great Blue Heron
American Kestrel
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Gray Catbird
American Robin
Song Sparrow
Baltimore Oriole
Red-winged Blackbird
Indigo Bunting
Mourning Dove
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Great Crested Flycatcher
Birding Tips
- 1
Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.
- 2
Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.
- 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 →