Grassland birding habitat

Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Ring-necked Pheasant, Black Vulture, 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

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

6/2/2026N Sandusky Creek Loop, Sesser US-IL 38.07076, -88.990542 observed

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

5/29/2026Rend Lake--South Marcum Public Use Area and Campground1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Blue Heron

15/24/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

15/24/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/24/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/24/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/24/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/24/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/24/2026

White-eyed Vireo

25/24/2026

Bell's Vireo

15/24/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/24/2026

Blue Jay

25/24/2026

American Crow

25/24/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/24/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/24/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/24/2026

American Robin

15/24/2026

Cedar Waxwing

25/24/2026

American Goldfinch

15/24/2026

Eastern Towhee

25/24/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

25/24/2026

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 Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park?
Notable species at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park include Ring-necked Pheasant, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Red-winged Blackbird, Snow Goose. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park?
Birding at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park?
Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.