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
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Sitta canadensis
Alder Flycatcher
Empidonax alnorum
Hudsonian Whimbrel
Numenius hudsonicus
Least Flycatcher
Empidonax minimus
Merlin
Falco columbarius
Trumpeter Swan
Cygnus buccinator
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscus
Snow Goose
Anser caerulescens
Common Loon
Gavia immer
Tennessee Warbler
Leiothlypis peregrina
Common Merganser
Mergus merganser
Bell's Vireo
Vireo bellii
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Mallard
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Killdeer
Piping Plover
Spotted Sandpiper
Lesser Yellowlegs
Sanderling
Least Sandpiper
Pectoral Sandpiper
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Caspian Tern
Double-crested Cormorant
Green Heron
Great Egret
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 →