Grassland birding habitat

Union County Wildlife SFWA

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Union County Wildlife SFWA is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 204 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

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

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

6/1/2026The Schoolhouse2 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

6/1/2026Southeast Missouri State University--River Campus1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

5/21/2026Bellrose Waterfowl Reserve6 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Kestrel

15/31/2026

Wild Turkey

15/28/2026

Mourning Dove

15/21/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

35/21/2026

Killdeer

25/21/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/21/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/21/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/21/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

15/21/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/21/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/21/2026

Bell's Vireo

25/21/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/21/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

25/21/2026

American Crow

25/21/2026

Tufted Titmouse

25/21/2026

Horned Lark

25/21/2026

Purple Martin

15/21/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/21/2026

Carolina Wren

25/21/2026

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