Weldon Springs State Park

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Weldon Springs State Park is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Ring-necked Duck, and Mourning Dove 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

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/6/2026Allerton Park23 observed

Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Passer montanus

3/1/2026Smith Yard1 observed

Northern Shrike

Lanius borealis

2/26/2026Upper Sangamon River Land and Water Reserve1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

2/22/2026Centennial Park, Heyworth1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

123/1/2026

Ring-necked Duck

13/1/2026

Mourning Dove

23/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

53/1/2026

Barred Owl

23/1/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

33/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

53/1/2026

Northern Flicker

23/1/2026

Blue Jay

43/1/2026

American Crow

13/1/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

63/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

33/1/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

53/1/2026

Brown Creeper

23/1/2026

Carolina Wren

13/1/2026

Eastern Bluebird

33/1/2026

American Robin

73/1/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

103/1/2026

White-throated Sparrow

33/1/2026

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 Weldon Springs State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Weldon Springs State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Weldon Springs State Park?
Notable species at Weldon Springs State Park include Canada Goose, Ring-necked Duck, Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull, Barred Owl. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Weldon Springs State Park?
Birding at Weldon Springs State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Weldon Springs State Park?
Weldon Springs State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.