Waukegan Beach
Illinois · Midwest
Moderate
April-May, September-October
Free
Open daily, dawn to dusk
About This Location
Waukegan Beach is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 312 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and Mallard 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
Glaucous-winged Gull
Larus glaucescens
Wilson's Snipe
Gallinago delicata
Blue-winged Teal
Spatula discors
Common Gull
Larus canus
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Gadwall
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck
Greater Scaup
Common Goldeneye
Red-breasted Merganser
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Glaucous Gull
Downy Woodpecker
European Starling
American Robin
House Sparrow
European Goldfinch
Red-winged Blackbird
Bald Eagle
White-winged Scoter
Killdeer
Dark-eyed Junco
Birding Tips
- 1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
- 2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
- 3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.
- 4
Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.
- 5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Illinois Beach State Park
- North Point Marina
- Bowen Park
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