Grassland birding habitat

Schroeder Wildlife Sanctuary

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Schroeder Wildlife Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Bald Eagle, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

7/20/2026Evergreen Lake--Comlara Park1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

7/19/2026Kickapoo Park, Downs1 observed

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

7/13/2026White Oak Park, Bloomington1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

7/12/2026Evergreen Lake--Shady Hollow Area1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/11/2026Moraine View State Park1 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

7/10/2026Home1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Crow

17/19/2026

Canada Goose

17/19/2026

Mallard

37/19/2026

Chimney Swift

27/19/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/19/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/19/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/19/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/19/2026

Blue Jay

27/19/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

17/19/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/19/2026

Gray Catbird

47/19/2026

American Robin

67/19/2026

House Sparrow

27/19/2026

American Goldfinch

17/19/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/19/2026

Mute Swan

57/19/2026

Rock Pigeon

57/19/2026

Mourning Dove

17/19/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Schroeder Wildlife Sanctuary for birding?
The best months to visit Schroeder Wildlife Sanctuary for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Schroeder Wildlife Sanctuary?
Notable species at Schroeder Wildlife Sanctuary include Mourning Dove, Bald Eagle, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Schroeder Wildlife Sanctuary?
Birding at Schroeder Wildlife Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Schroeder Wildlife Sanctuary?
Schroeder Wildlife Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.