Watershed Nature Center

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Watershed Nature Center is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Great Blue Heron, 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

Carolina Chickadee

Poecile carolinensis

3/6/20261240 Gerber Road, Edwardsville, Illinois, US (38.797, -89.932)1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/6/2026Kilmar Woods1 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

3/6/2026No Name Park2 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/4/2026Horseshoe Lake State Park, Pontoon Beach US-IL 38.69504, -90.071612 observed

Snow x Greater White-fronted Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x albifrons

3/2/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary2 observed

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

2/28/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

202/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

12/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

12/28/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

12/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/28/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

22/28/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

12/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/28/2026

Blue Jay

12/28/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

12/28/2026

House Sparrow

42/28/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

12/28/2026

Song Sparrow

22/28/2026

Swamp Sparrow

12/28/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

202/28/2026

Northern Cardinal

32/28/2026

Killdeer

152/27/2026

Bald Eagle

22/27/2026

White-throated Sparrow

32/27/2026

Mallard

42/24/2026

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 Watershed Nature Center for birding?
The best months to visit Watershed Nature Center for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Watershed Nature Center?
Notable species at Watershed Nature Center include Canada Goose, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Watershed Nature Center?
Birding at Watershed Nature Center is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Watershed Nature Center?
Watershed Nature Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.