Waukegan Beach
Illinois · Midwest
Moderate
April-May, September-October
Free
Open daily, dawn to dusk
About This Location
Waukegan Beach is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 312 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and Mallard 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
Dunlin
Calidris alpina
Bell's Vireo
Vireo bellii
Semipalmated Plover
Charadrius semipalmatus
Laughing Gull
Leucophaeus atricilla
Pine Siskin
Spinus pinus
Lesser Yellowlegs
Tringa flavipes
Ring-necked Duck
Aythya collaris
Northern Parula
Setophaga americana
Magnolia Warbler
Setophaga magnolia
Blackburnian Warbler
Setophaga fusca
Neotropic Cormorant
Nannopterum brasilianum
Black-bellied Plover
Pluvialis squatarola
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Dunlin
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Caspian Tern
Double-crested Cormorant
Blue Jay
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
American Robin
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
Canada Goose
Mourning Dove
Killdeer
Piping Plover
Spotted Sandpiper
Cliff Swallow
European Starling
Birding Tips
- 1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
- 2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
- 3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.
- 4
Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.
- 5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Illinois Beach State Park
- North Point Marina
- Bowen Park
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Illinois Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Illinois →