South Shore Park

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
CoastalUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

South Shore Park is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 253 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and urban park habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Common Goldeneye 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

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

3/6/2026Carlyle Dam Road, Carlyle, Illinois, US (38.619, -89.353)1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

3/6/2026Carlyle Lake--West Access Marina and Beach2 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

3/4/2026Carlyle Lake--James Hawn Access2 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

3/4/2026South Shore Park1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

3/4/2026South Shore Park1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/4/2026South Shore Park4 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

2/28/2026Carlyle Lake--Spillway2 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

2/23/2026Carlyle Lake--West Access Marina and Beach1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/22/2026I-64 W, Richview US-IL 38.39031, -89.177617 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Shoveler

13/4/2026

Common Goldeneye

103/4/2026

Hooded Merganser

103/4/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

23/4/2026

Ruddy Duck

403/4/2026

Killdeer

23/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

303/4/2026

Horned Grebe

13/4/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/4/2026

American White Pelican

13/4/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

13/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Blue Jay

23/4/2026

Carolina Wren

13/4/2026

European Starling

23/4/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/4/2026

American Robin

113/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

43/4/2026

Eastern Towhee

13/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  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 South Shore Park for birding?
The best months to visit South Shore Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at South Shore Park?
Notable species at South Shore Park include Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser. The area supports coastal, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at South Shore Park?
Birding at South Shore Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at South Shore Park?
South Shore Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.