Grassland birding habitat

Washington County State Recreation Area

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Washington County State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Ring-billed Gull, and Turkey Vulture 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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

7/9/20267001–7251 N Riddle Ln, Scheller US-IL 38.23142, -89.105546 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

16/29/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

16/29/2026

Great Blue Heron

46/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/29/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

16/29/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

36/29/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

86/29/2026

Downy Woodpecker

26/29/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

86/29/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

16/29/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

36/29/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/29/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

16/29/2026

American Crow

16/29/2026

Fish Crow

66/29/2026

Carolina Chickadee

16/29/2026

Tufted Titmouse

36/29/2026

Cliff Swallow

16/29/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

16/29/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

26/29/2026

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 Washington County State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Washington County State Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Washington County State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Washington County State Recreation Area include Canada Goose, Ring-billed Gull, Turkey Vulture, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Washington County State Recreation Area?
Birding at Washington County State Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Washington County State Recreation Area?
Washington County State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.