Sand Ridge State Forest
Illinois · Midwest
Challenging
April-May, September-October
About This Location
Sand Ridge State Forest is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This forest and mountain habitat attracts Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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
Greater Yellowlegs
Tringa melanoleuca
Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serrator
Wilson's Phalarope
Phalaropus tricolor
Tricolored Heron
Egretta tricolor
American Golden-Plover
Pluvialis dominica
Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifrons
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck
Dendrocygna autumnalis
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Common Nighthawk
Eastern Whip-poor-will
Barred Owl
Gray Catbird
Chipping Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Canada Goose
Mourning Dove
Eastern Screech-Owl
Great Crested Flycatcher
Red-eyed Vireo
Northern House Wren
Wood Thrush
American Robin
Eastern Towhee
Red-winged Blackbird
Summer Tanager
Scarlet Tanager
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Birding Tips
- 1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
- 2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
- 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 →