Wetland birding habitat

Highland Rookery (Cline Avenue Marsh)

Indiana · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Highland Rookery (Cline Avenue Marsh) is a productive birding destination in Indiana, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mute Swan, and Northern Shoveler 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 Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

6/2/20267859 S South Shore Dr, Chicago US-IL 41.75317, -87.548211 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/2/2026Goodenow Grove--Plum Creek Nature Center1 observed

Ring-necked Pheasant

Phasianus colchicus

6/2/2026Helmick Nature Preserve/Butterfield Creek Wetlands1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/2/2026Glenwood Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

6/1/202657-80 Warehouse Campus Retention Ponds1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

5/30/2026Thorn Creek Headwaters Preserve--east side1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

5/30/2026Jackson Park--Wooded Island/Bobolink Meadow area1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

5/30/2026Indiana Dunes NP--Long Lake1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

5/28/2026Rainbow Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Shoveler

16/3/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

56/3/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

26/3/2026

Green Heron

16/3/2026

Osprey

16/3/2026

Marsh Wren

36/3/2026

Mourning Warbler

16/3/2026

Canada Goose

625/30/2026

Trumpeter Swan

25/30/2026

Wood Duck

135/30/2026

Mallard

245/30/2026

Mourning Dove

25/30/2026

Killdeer

45/30/2026

Caspian Tern

55/30/2026

Great Egret

45/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

45/30/2026

Northern Flicker

15/30/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/30/2026

Tree Swallow

185/30/2026

European Starling

305/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Highland Rookery (Cline Avenue Marsh) for birding?
The best months to visit Highland Rookery (Cline Avenue Marsh) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Highland Rookery (Cline Avenue Marsh)?
Notable species at Highland Rookery (Cline Avenue Marsh) include Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Highland Rookery (Cline Avenue Marsh)?
Birding at Highland Rookery (Cline Avenue Marsh) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Highland Rookery (Cline Avenue Marsh)?
Highland Rookery (Cline Avenue Marsh) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.