Gillson Park

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Gillson Park is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 273 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Redhead 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

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/5/2026Loyola Park1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/5/2026Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park4 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/4/2026Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

3/4/2026Bensenville Ditch1 observed

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

3/4/2026Busse Woods, Rolling Meadows US-IL 42.04751, -88.025633 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

3/4/20261207 Dobson1 observed

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

3/3/2026Lincoln Park--South Pond1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/3/2026Northerly Island13 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/2/2026Busse Woods--south pool5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

13/5/2026

Mallard

123/5/2026

Redhead

283/5/2026

Bufflehead

13/5/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

23/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

13/5/2026

American Robin

33/5/2026

American Goldfinch

13/5/2026

Song Sparrow

23/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

63/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/5/2026

Greater Scaup

43/4/2026

American Herring Gull

23/4/2026

Blue Jay

13/4/2026

House Sparrow

23/4/2026

American Crow

33/3/2026

American Tree Sparrow

63/3/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

33/3/2026

Mourning Dove

23/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  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 Gillson Park for birding?
The best months to visit Gillson Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Gillson Park?
Notable species at Gillson Park include Canada Goose, Mallard, Redhead, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Gillson Park?
Birding at Gillson Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Gillson Park?
Gillson Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.