Fort Massac State Park

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fort Massac State Park is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Bald Eagle, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Northern Flicker 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

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

3/6/2026Shawnee National Forest, Golconda US-IL 37.28893, -88.603893 observed

Great Egret

Ardea alba

3/5/2026Shawnee Power Plant1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

2/28/2026Mermet Lake2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

2/27/2026Mermet Lake2 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

2/27/2026Mermet Lake1 observed

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

2/22/2026WastePath/Clean Earth Facility (restricted access, roadside viewing)2 observed

Iceland Gull (kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

2/21/2026WastePath/Clean Earth Facility (restricted access, roadside viewing)4 observed

Iceland Gull (thayeri/kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

2/21/2026WastePath/Clean Earth Facility (restricted access, roadside viewing)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bald Eagle

22/27/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

22/27/2026

Northern Flicker

12/27/2026

American Kestrel

12/27/2026

Carolina Chickadee

22/27/2026

Tufted Titmouse

12/27/2026

Carolina Wren

12/27/2026

European Starling

22/27/2026

Northern Mockingbird

22/27/2026

Eastern Bluebird

12/27/2026

American Goldfinch

42/27/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

12/27/2026

Common Grackle

202/27/2026

Northern Cardinal

82/27/2026

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 Fort Massac State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Fort Massac State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fort Massac State Park?
Notable species at Fort Massac State Park include Bald Eagle, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, American Kestrel, Carolina Chickadee. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fort Massac State Park?
Birding at Fort Massac State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Fort Massac State Park?
Fort Massac State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.