Grassland birding habitat

Spunky Bottoms

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Spunky Bottoms is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 241 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/12/2026Benninghoff residence 13895 Camden Road1 observed

Palm Warbler (Western)

Setophaga palmarum

4/11/2026Morgan Cass County Line Rd, Meredosia US-IL (39.8759,-90.5417)1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

4/11/2026Big Lake2 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

4/11/2026Big Lake2 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

4/11/2026Old Naples Ln, Meredosia US-IL 39.79318, -90.574056 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

4/11/2026Curry Lake25 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/11/2026

Blue-winged Teal

2104/11/2026

Northern Shoveler

454/11/2026

Gadwall

404/11/2026

American Wigeon

84/11/2026

Mallard

1104/11/2026

Northern Pintail

44/11/2026

Green-winged Teal

2354/11/2026

Lesser Scaup

704/11/2026

Bufflehead

14/11/2026

Common Goldeneye

14/11/2026

Mourning Dove

14/11/2026

Killdeer

14/11/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

44/11/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/11/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/11/2026

Bald Eagle

24/11/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/11/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/11/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

24/11/2026

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 Spunky Bottoms for birding?
The best months to visit Spunky Bottoms for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Spunky Bottoms?
Notable species at Spunky Bottoms include Eastern Meadowlark, Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, Northern Harrier, Bobolink. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Spunky Bottoms?
Birding at Spunky Bottoms is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Spunky Bottoms?
Spunky Bottoms offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.