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

Loading map...

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

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/15/2026Carlyle Sewage Ponds (restricted access)2 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/14/2026South Shore Park--Crappie Cove1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/14/2026South Shore Park--Crappie Cove1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/13/2026General Dean Suspension Bridge Park4 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/13/2026General Dean Suspension Bridge Park1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/12/20261153–1199 19th St, Carlyle US-IL (38.6166,-89.3822)1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/11/2026Carlyle Sewage Ponds (restricted access)15 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

4/11/2026Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area Boat Ramp, Carlyle US-IL1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/10/20261153–1199 19th St, Carlyle US-IL (38.6166,-89.3822)1 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

4/10/2026Sale Barn Ave, Smithboro US-IL (38.8585,-89.3050)12 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Chimney Swift

14/15/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/15/2026

Great Egret

94/15/2026

American White Pelican

14/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/15/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/15/2026

Fish Crow

14/15/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/15/2026

Carolina Wren

14/15/2026

Eastern Bluebird

14/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/15/2026

Canada Goose

104/15/2026

Killdeer

24/15/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

154/15/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

44/15/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

174/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

34/15/2026

Bald Eagle

14/15/2026

Blue Jay

14/15/2026

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.