Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26, Alton

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26, Alton is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Gadwall 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

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/5/2026Forest Park6 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

3/5/2026No Name Park2 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

3/4/2026Marais Temps Clair CA1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/4/2026Horseshoe Lake State Park, Pontoon Beach US-IL 38.69504, -90.071612 observed

Carolina Chickadee

Poecile carolinensis

3/3/2026Home1 observed

Snow x Greater White-fronted Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x albifrons

3/2/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary2 observed

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

2/28/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

2/28/2026Columbia Bottom CA2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

103/2/2026

Wood Duck

43/2/2026

Gadwall

113/2/2026

Mallard

143/2/2026

Green-winged Teal

543/2/2026

Hooded Merganser

43/2/2026

Rock Pigeon

123/2/2026

Killdeer

23/2/2026

Wilson's Snipe

23/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

303/2/2026

Bald Eagle

13/2/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/2/2026

Northern Flicker

23/2/2026

American Kestrel

13/2/2026

Peregrine Falcon

13/2/2026

European Starling

403/2/2026

American Robin

273/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

23/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

13/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

23/1/2026

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 Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26, Alton for birding?
The best months to visit Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26, Alton for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26, Alton?
Notable species at Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26, Alton include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Gadwall, Mallard, Green-winged Teal. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26, Alton?
Birding at Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26, Alton is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26, Alton?
Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26, Alton offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.