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

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

5/27/2026400 N. and 1100 E., Shirley1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

5/25/2026Heyworth Quarry Ponds (roadside birding only)1 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

5/22/2026Clinton Lake SRA--Mascoutin Beach and Boat Ramp1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

5/22/2026Clinton Lake SRA--Mascoutin Beach and Boat Ramp6 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

5/20/2026Home1 observed

Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

5/20/2026Allerton North1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

65/26/2026

Wood Duck

15/26/2026

Mallard

25/26/2026

Mourning Dove

25/26/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/26/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/26/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/26/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/26/2026

Northern Flicker

15/26/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

35/26/2026

Eastern Phoebe

25/26/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

45/26/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/26/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

45/26/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

25/26/2026

Blue Jay

15/26/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/26/2026

Tufted Titmouse

25/26/2026

Tree Swallow

45/26/2026

Purple Martin

105/26/2026

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.