Coastal birding habitat

South Shore Park

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
CoastalUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

South Shore Park is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 253 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and urban park habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Common Goldeneye 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

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

7/12/2026Carlyle Lake--Whitetail Access (Clinton Co.)2 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/11/2026Chipwood Ln, Centralia US-IL (38.5402,-89.1003)1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/8/2026Carlyle Lake--Whitetail Access (Clinton Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

17/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

57/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/18/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/18/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/18/2026

Carolina Wren

17/18/2026

Gray Catbird

17/18/2026

American Robin

17/18/2026

Cedar Waxwing

17/18/2026

American Goldfinch

27/18/2026

Eastern Towhee

17/18/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

17/18/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/18/2026

Summer Tanager

17/18/2026

Indigo Bunting

17/18/2026

Dickcissel

17/18/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/18/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 South Shore Park for birding?
The best months to visit South Shore Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at South Shore Park?
Notable species at South Shore Park include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser. The area supports coastal, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at South Shore Park?
Birding at South Shore Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at South Shore Park?
South Shore Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.