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
Long-billed Dowitcher
Limnodromus scolopaceus
Yellow-headed Blackbird
Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
Trumpeter Swan
Cygnus buccinator
Spotted Sandpiper
Actitis macularius
Henslow's Sparrow
Centronyx henslowii
Northern Mockingbird
Mimus polyglottos
Wood Thrush
Hylocichla mustelina
Marsh Wren
Cistothorus palustris
Least Sandpiper
Calidris minutilla
Solitary Sandpiper
Tringa solitaria
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Blue-winged Teal
Mallard
Common Merganser
Red-breasted Merganser
Mourning Dove
Killdeer
Spotted Sandpiper
Greater Yellowlegs
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Caspian Tern
Horned Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Black-crowned Night Heron
Turkey Vulture
Bald Eagle
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
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 →