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

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

5/31/2026Carlyle Lake--Whitetail Access (Clinton Co.)1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

5/29/2026Eldon Hazlet SP--Fish Ponds1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

5/28/20261751 Jefferson St, Carlyle US-IL (38.6122,-89.3801)2 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

5/28/2026Santa Fe Bottoms4 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

5/26/2026Carlyle Lake--James Hawn Access2 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

5/23/2026Carlyle city limits2 observed

Connecticut Warbler

Oporornis agilis

5/21/2026Eldon Hazlet State Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wild Turkey

35/30/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/30/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

25/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/30/2026

Tufted Titmouse

25/30/2026

Carolina Wren

15/30/2026

Field Sparrow

25/30/2026

Eastern Towhee

15/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

35/30/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

25/30/2026

Indigo Bunting

25/30/2026

Bell's Vireo

15/29/2026

American Robin

25/29/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

15/29/2026

Common Grackle

15/29/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/29/2026

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.