Schroeder Wildlife Sanctuary

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Schroeder Wildlife Sanctuary is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Bald Eagle, and Red-bellied Woodpecker among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

3/3/2026Tompkins Drive, Normal1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

3/1/2026Riley Starkey Park1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/28/2026Evergreen Lake--Shady Hallow Area50 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

2/27/2026Home10 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

72/28/2026

Bald Eagle

12/28/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

22/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

22/28/2026

Blue Jay

12/28/2026

American Crow

22/28/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

22/28/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

32/28/2026

European Starling

502/28/2026

Eastern Bluebird

52/28/2026

American Tree Sparrow

12/28/2026

White-throated Sparrow

22/28/2026

Song Sparrow

52/28/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

2002/28/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

502/28/2026

Common Grackle

2002/28/2026

Northern Cardinal

32/28/2026

Canada Goose

222/21/2026

Killdeer

12/21/2026

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 Schroeder Wildlife Sanctuary for birding?
The best months to visit Schroeder Wildlife Sanctuary for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Schroeder Wildlife Sanctuary?
Notable species at Schroeder Wildlife Sanctuary include Mourning Dove, Bald Eagle, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Schroeder Wildlife Sanctuary?
Birding at Schroeder Wildlife Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Schroeder Wildlife Sanctuary?
Schroeder Wildlife Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.