Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area - Kenosha Dunes Unit

Wisconsin · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Grassland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area - Kenosha Dunes Unit is a productive birding destination in Wisconsin, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This grassland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Eastern Meadowlark Dickcissel Grasshopper Sparrow Northern Harrier Bobolink

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

5/31/2026Illinois Beach SP (North Unit)--Sand Pond and Beach Access Trails1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

5/31/2026North Point Marina--south end1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

5/31/2026Illinois Beach SP (South Unit)--general1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/31/2026Druce Lake1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/31/2026Lyons Woods Forest Preserve (Lake Co.)1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

5/31/2026Lyons Woods Forest Preserve (Lake Co.)1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

5/31/2026Illinois Beach SP (South Unit)--Nature Center Trails and Dead River1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

5/31/2026Waukegan Beach1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

5/31/2026Illinois Beach SP (North Unit)--general2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

15/21/2026

Mourning Dove

45/21/2026

Chimney Swift

25/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

15/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

5/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/21/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/21/2026

Northern Flicker

15/21/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/21/2026

Least Flycatcher

15/21/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/21/2026

Blue Jay

25/21/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

25/21/2026

Bank Swallow

25/21/2026

Tree Swallow

15/21/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/21/2026

European Starling

25/21/2026

Gray Catbird

25/21/2026

Brown Thrasher

15/21/2026

American Robin

35/21/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.
2
Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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Wisconsin Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Wisconsin →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area - Kenosha Dunes Unit for birding?▼

The best months to visit Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area - Kenosha Dunes Unit for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area - Kenosha Dunes Unit?▼

Notable species at Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area - Kenosha Dunes Unit include Eastern Meadowlark, Dickcissel, Grasshopper Sparrow, Northern Harrier, Bobolink. The area supports grassland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area - Kenosha Dunes Unit?▼

Birding at Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area - Kenosha Dunes Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area - Kenosha Dunes Unit?▼

Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area - Kenosha Dunes Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.