Olive Park

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Olive Park is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Mallard, Redhead, and Greater Scaup 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

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

3/4/20261207 Dobson1 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

3/3/2026BP Warm Water Outlet1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/3/2026Lake Calumet area--Lake Calumet/Harborside Golf Course5 observed

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

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

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/3/2026Northerly Island13 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

12/25/2026

Redhead

52/25/2026

Greater Scaup

12/25/2026

Common Goldeneye

42/25/2026

Common Merganser

82/25/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

62/25/2026

Ring-billed Gull

42/25/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

22/25/2026

House Sparrow

552/25/2026

White-throated Sparrow

12/25/2026

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