Local Birding Hotspots

Join the Birdnotes Email Discussion List! Join Birdnotes to get the latest local bird sightings. See a map of locations frequently mentioned on Birdnotes. Many of the birding areas listed here, plus more, are located on the map. Mobility-Friendly Birding Spots Need help identifying a bird? Audubon Online Bird Guide Want expert tips for identifying birds? Watch these videos by Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Color patterns Size & shape Behavior Habitat

Urbana Park District's Natural Areas:

• Busey Woods & Crystal Lake Park
  • Anita Purves Nature Center
• Busey Woods checklist
• See a map of Crystal Lake Park, showing the 'magic bridge' and other birding landmarks.
• Meadowbrook Park
  • Meadowbrook Park checklist
• Perkins Road Marsh
• Weaver Park

Champaign County Forest Preserve District:

• Lake of the Woods, Mahomet
  • Lake of the Woods checklist
• Homer Lake, Homer
  • Homer Lake Interpretive Center
• Homer Lake checklist
• Middle Fork River, Penfield
  • Middle Fork River checklist
• River Bend, Mahomet
• Sangmon River, Fisher

Outside Champaign County:

• Allerton Park
  • Allerton Park checklist
• Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
• Heron County Park, Vermilion County Conservation District
• Arcola Marsh & Lake Shelbyville