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

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

5/31/20265 Drake Ct, Bloomington US-IL 40.47339, -88.927651 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

5/27/2026400 N. and 1100 E., Shirley1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/26/2026Eastern Screech-owl box1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

5/25/2026Heyworth Quarry Ponds (roadside birding only)1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

5/23/2026Forrest Park1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

5/23/2026Moraine View State Recreation Area, Ellsworth US-IL 40.41091, -88.723172 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

5/22/2026Clinton Lake SRA--Mascoutin Beach and Boat Ramp6 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

5/20/2026Home1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

45/31/2026

Mourning Dove

55/31/2026

Chimney Swift

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/31/2026

Eastern Phoebe

25/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

Blue Jay

35/31/2026

American Crow

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

25/31/2026

Purple Martin

55/31/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

35/31/2026

Barn Swallow

25/31/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/31/2026

Northern House Wren

25/31/2026

Carolina Wren

15/31/2026

European Starling

55/31/2026

Gray Catbird

55/31/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/31/2026

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.