Explore Birding Hotspots for New Birds

Cerulean Warbler at LaBagh Woods, photo: Judy Cheske

Would you like to expand your birding and explore new local natural areas? Check out Chicago Audubon’s Birding Hotspots section for a list of local birding hotspots throughout the city and nearby suburbs.

We’ve compiled a list based on geographic areas of the city and suburbs, and included images, descriptions, and maps. It’s the most visited page of our website (after our homepage), and helps birders find new places to bird - new birders, visitors to the Chicago area, and experienced birders - all find this guide helpful.

Some highlights include our page for Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary which includes a great photo by Jamie Burning Nature Photography, and links to informative related sites, including The Orniphile blog by Montrose birding expert Robert D. Hughes.

Our Washington Park page has great images by Ryan Fuller and a fantastic map by Rossy Natale.

Many pages could be improved with images, descriptions, links to E-Bird or other related websites. And, we are missing some great local hotspots. We need help! Are you interested in adapting a birding hotspot page and providing more information to help fellow birders? Contact us and let us know if you are able to contribute!