Washington Park

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Washington Park is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 236 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Hooded Merganser 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

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

Canada Goose

2103/4/2026

Mallard

293/4/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/4/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

13/4/2026

Ring-billed Gull

73/4/2026

American Herring Gull

33/4/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/4/2026

Bald Eagle

13/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

23/4/2026

Northern Flicker

13/4/2026

American Crow

53/4/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

33/4/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/4/2026

American Robin

63/4/2026

American Goldfinch

23/4/2026

American Tree Sparrow

13/4/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

83/4/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

183/4/2026

Common Grackle

13/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

83/4/2026

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