Grassland birding habitat

Winfield Dam/Sandy Chute and surrounding fields

Missouri · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Winfield Dam/Sandy Chute and surrounding fields is a productive birding destination in Missouri, with 261 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Mallard, Green-winged Teal, and Killdeer among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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 Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

5/30/2026Ameren electricity gravel lot3 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

5/30/2026BK Leach CA--Bittern Basin Unit1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

5/26/2026Dalbow Rd.2 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/26/2026Stump Lake Fish and Waterfowl Management Area2 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

5/23/2026Mason Hollow Road, Grafton, Illinois, US (38.981, -90.441)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

15/26/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/26/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

25/26/2026

Northern Flicker

15/26/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/26/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

35/26/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

75/26/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/26/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

25/26/2026

Carolina Wren

15/26/2026

European Starling

45/26/2026

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

15/26/2026

Song Sparrow

25/26/2026

Orchard Oriole

35/26/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/26/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

165/26/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

35/26/2026

Common Grackle

25/26/2026

Northern Cardinal

35/26/2026

Indigo Bunting

65/26/2026

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 Winfield Dam/Sandy Chute and surrounding fields for birding?
The best months to visit Winfield Dam/Sandy Chute and surrounding fields for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Winfield Dam/Sandy Chute and surrounding fields?
Notable species at Winfield Dam/Sandy Chute and surrounding fields include Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Killdeer, Wilson's Snipe, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Winfield Dam/Sandy Chute and surrounding fields?
Birding at Winfield Dam/Sandy Chute and surrounding fields is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Winfield Dam/Sandy Chute and surrounding fields?
Winfield Dam/Sandy Chute and surrounding fields offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.