Burning Star Mine

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Burning Star Mine is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Mourning Dove, and Ring-billed Gull 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

Purple Martin

Progne subis

3/5/2026533 North 23rd Street, Herrin, Illinois, US (37.808, -89.037)

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/3/2026Crab Orchard NWR--Harmony Trail2 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

3/2/2026Crab Orchard NWR Campground1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

3/2/2026Crab Orchard NWR Campground2 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/1/2026Post Oak Road, Carterville Thicket5 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

3/1/2026Crab Orchard NWR--Harmony Trail5 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/1/2026gravel pit ponds1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

2/28/2026Carbondale Reservoir2 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

2/23/202622431-22113 Illinois 127, Vergennes, Illinois, US (37.912, -89.336)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

2002/26/2026

Mourning Dove

22/26/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1502/26/2026

Turkey Vulture

32/26/2026

Northern Harrier

22/26/2026

Short-eared Owl

12/26/2026

American Crow

42/26/2026

Purple Finch

12/26/2026

Field Sparrow

32/26/2026

American Tree Sparrow

102/26/2026

Fox Sparrow

12/26/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

252/26/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

202/26/2026

White-throated Sparrow

202/26/2026

Song Sparrow

122/26/2026

Eastern Towhee

32/26/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

2502/26/2026

Rusty Blackbird

102/26/2026

Common Grackle

32/26/2026

Northern Cardinal

62/26/2026

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 Burning Star Mine for birding?
The best months to visit Burning Star Mine for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Burning Star Mine?
Notable species at Burning Star Mine include Snow Goose, Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull, Turkey Vulture, Northern Harrier. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Burning Star Mine?
Birding at Burning Star Mine is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Burning Star Mine?
Burning Star Mine offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.