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

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/12/2026401 N 27th St, Mount Vernon US-IL (38.3197,-88.9254)1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/11/2026Jefferson County marshes along the Hamilton County line1 observed

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/11/2026Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area, Ina US-IL 38.13969, -88.917411 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

4/8/2026Rend Lake--Northern Section (Jefferson Co.)2 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/4/2026Bakerville Rd1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bonaparte's Gull

14/12/2026

Forster's Tern

14/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/12/2026

House Finch

24/12/2026

American Goldfinch

14/12/2026

Pine Warbler

14/12/2026

Mallard

24/12/2026

Black Vulture

14/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/12/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

14/12/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/12/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/12/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/12/2026

Blue Jay

24/12/2026

Tufted Titmouse

24/12/2026

Tree Swallow

54/12/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/12/2026

Chipping Sparrow

34/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

404/12/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

34/12/2026

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.