Washington County State Recreation Area

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Washington County State Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Ring-billed Gull, and Turkey Vulture 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

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

3/5/2026Nashville City Reservoir1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

2/28/2026Pyramid State Park1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

2/28/2026Washington County State Recreation Area1 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

Turkey Vulture

73/5/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Northern Flicker

23/5/2026

Blue Jay

43/5/2026

American Crow

23/5/2026

Carolina Chickadee

23/5/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/5/2026

Carolina Wren

13/5/2026

Brown Thrasher

13/5/2026

Eastern Bluebird

23/5/2026

Field Sparrow

13/5/2026

Song Sparrow

43/5/2026

Eastern Towhee

23/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

33/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

73/5/2026

Canada Goose

23/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/5/2026

European Starling

13/5/2026

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 Washington County State Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Washington County State Recreation Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Washington County State Recreation Area?
Notable species at Washington County State Recreation Area include Canada Goose, Ring-billed Gull, Turkey Vulture, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Washington County State Recreation Area?
Birding at Washington County State Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Washington County State Recreation Area?
Washington County State Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.