Go eagle watching in Illinois from scenic river bluffs, or check out the best birding in the diverse habitats of Illinois forest preserves, parks and wildlife areas.
Spring Birdwatching in Illinois
Spring is peak birdwatching time in Illinois! Migratory birds return from their winter retreats, and bring with them a sense of life and renewal. In lush forests and peaceful wetlands, you'll hear the calls of warblers and cranes, and spot colorful flocks soaring overhead. Let your curiosity bloom and go on an Illinois birdwatching adventure.
Spring birdwatching events and highlights
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary (Chicago)
Birds you might see: Warblers, Thrushes, Vireos, Orioles, Sparrows
Montrose Point is a hotspot for migratory birds, especially warblers. This lakeside shrubland and shoreline attracts a wide variety of songbirds following their spring migration.
Starved Rock State Park (Utica)
Birds you might see: Great Blue Herons, Warblers, Swallows
The Illinois River and its surrounding cliffs add up to the perfect habitat for Great Blue Herons and other migratory species.
Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge (Havana)
Birds you might see: Sandhill Cranes, Waterfowl
This is a great spot for migratory waterfowl and cranes to take a break on their spring journey - and a great spot for you to spot them while they're on their way.
Eagle watching in Illinois
Illinois is one of the best places to see bald eagles. Around 3,000 visit each winter, taking up residence in at least 27 counties around the state.
Find out where you can see these American icons soaring through the skies in Illinois.
Bird Watching Tours & Birding Companies
Birdwatching in Chicago
Birds also enjoy the city! And there are places you can go to see lots of them, so that's nice. See them by lakes, see them circling overhead, see them wherever good birds are seen.
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Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary
Montrose Point is along Lake Michigan. It has a lot of birds! We'll talk more about the birds soon.
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Northerly Island
Soon I'll add a lot to this piece about Northerly Island. It's a peninsula... it has grasslands, wetlands, and birds. So that's nice.
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Lincoln Park
You know lots about Lincoln Park, right? Yes, well, it has birds, too. There are wetlands, there are woodlands, everything a bird might want.
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