Moraine Hills State Park

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Moraine Hills State Park is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Sandhill Crane, and Red-bellied 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

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/6/2026Center St, Grayslake US-IL 42.34477, -88.009071 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

3/6/2026Backyard1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/5/2026Broadsmore Drive Ponds, Algonquin1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/5/2026Chain-o-Lakes State Park1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/3/2026Fourth Lake--Millennium Trail Overlook1 observed

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

3/2/2026Raceway Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

Common Gull

Larus canus

3/1/2026Pedersen Marina1 observed

Common Gull (Russian)

Larus canus

3/1/2026Lake Marie1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

83/6/2026

Mallard

13/6/2026

Sandhill Crane

3/6/2026

Killdeer

3/6/2026

Blue Jay

13/6/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/6/2026

American Robin

3/6/2026

American Tree Sparrow

63/6/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

63/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

253/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

43/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

43/1/2026

Eastern Bluebird

13/1/2026

Cedar Waxwing

13/1/2026

House Finch

43/1/2026

American Goldfinch

33/1/2026

American Herring Gull

12/28/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

12/28/2026

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 Moraine Hills State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Moraine Hills State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Moraine Hills State Park?
Notable species at Moraine Hills State Park include Canada Goose, Sandhill Crane, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Black-capped Chickadee. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Moraine Hills State Park?
Birding at Moraine Hills State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Moraine Hills State Park?
Moraine Hills State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.