LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 217 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, and Downy Woodpecker 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

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/1/2026gravel pit ponds1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

3/1/2026Indian Ridge Sloughs1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/1/2026Lake Lyerla Conservation Area--Levee1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

2/28/2026Carbondale Reservoir2 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

2/27/2026Lake Lyerla Conservation Area--Levee1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

33/4/2026

Bald Eagle

23/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Eastern Phoebe

23/4/2026

Blue Jay

33/4/2026

Fox Sparrow

13/4/2026

Song Sparrow

23/4/2026

Swamp Sparrow

23/4/2026

Canada Goose

22/25/2026

Trumpeter Swan

32/25/2026

Gadwall

32/25/2026

Mallard

202/25/2026

Ring-necked Duck

22/25/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

12/25/2026

White-throated Sparrow

32/25/2026

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 LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area for birding?
The best months to visit LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area?
Notable species at LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area include Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Downy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area?
Birding at LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area?
LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.