Grassland birding habitat

Weldon Springs State Park

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Weldon Springs State Park is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Ring-necked Duck, and Mourning Dove 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

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/16/2026Weldon Springs State Park2 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

4/15/2026Clinton Lake SRA--Mascoutin Beach and Boat Ramp2 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

4/13/2026Pond by BOBO spot - 1119 N 200 East Rd, Cerro Gordo US-IL 39.95376, -88.707151 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/13/2026Weldon Springs State Park1 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

4/11/2026Sawyer Rd, Decatur US-IL 39.93189, -88.936995 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

4/11/2026Sawyer Rd, Decatur US-IL 39.93189, -88.936991 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

4/11/2026Sawyer Rd, Decatur US-IL 39.93189, -88.936992 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/5/2026610 E Shafer St, Decatur US-IL (39.9354,-88.9479)1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

4/5/2026610 E Shafer St, Decatur US-IL (39.9354,-88.9479)2 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

4/4/2026Centennial Park, Heyworth1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/3/2026Weldon Springs State Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

144/16/2026

Mallard

14/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

54/16/2026

Bald Eagle

14/16/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/16/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/16/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

24/16/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/16/2026

Eastern Phoebe

24/16/2026

Blue Jay

44/16/2026

American Crow

14/16/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

24/16/2026

Tufted Titmouse

104/16/2026

Tree Swallow

24/16/2026

Purple Martin

44/16/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

54/16/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/16/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

24/16/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

74/16/2026

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 Weldon Springs State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Weldon Springs State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Weldon Springs State Park?
Notable species at Weldon Springs State Park include Canada Goose, Ring-necked Duck, Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull, Barred Owl. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Weldon Springs State Park?
Birding at Weldon Springs State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Weldon Springs State Park?
Weldon Springs State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.