Greater Chicago

Illinois

Greater Chicago is one of the premier birding destinations in the Midwest, with over 300 bird species recorded. Positioned on Lake Michigan, Chicago serves as a critical stopover for millions of migrating birds. Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary is renowned as one of the best urban birding locations in North America, especially during spring and fall migration when up to 36 warbler species pass through.

Best Months to Visit

April to May, August to October

Birding Season

Spring and Fall

Notable Species

Connecticut Warbler Magnolia Warbler American Redstart Baltimore Oriole Henslow's Sparrow

Top Birding Guides in Greater Chicago

Browse our selection of expert birding guides serving the Greater Chicago area.

Josh Engel - Red Hill Birding

5.0

Ornithologist and professional birding guide with over a decade of guiding experience on four continents. Former ornithologist at Chicago's Field Museum for eight years. Founded Red Hill Birding in 2016, the only company that leads professional birding tours in Chicago and Illinois. Expert in warblers and migration patterns with contagious enthusiasm for birds and deep local knowledge. Based in Highland Park, Illinois.

Chicago specialties Spring migration Warblers

18 years of experience

View Profile

Steve Huggins - Red Hill Birding

4.9

Full-time professional birding guide originally from England who has been birding since age 4. Moved to Chicago in 2000 and quickly became a stalwart of the Illinois birding community. Former environmental engineer who made a career switch to spend more time birding and sharing his love of birds. Guides for Red Hill Birding leading local Chicago-area trips and international tours. Lives on Chicago's north side and holds the Livingston County big year record. Known for accommodating birders of all skill levels.

Chicago birding Migration specialist Lake Michigan pelagic tours

24 years of experience

View Profile

Adam Sell - Red Hill Birding

4.9

Full-time professional birding guide who joined Red Hill Birding in 2022. Former middle school teacher and natural educator with guiding experience on four continents. Mentored by local birders in north Texas and the Chicagoland birding community. Works alongside Josh Engel on day-to-day operations of Red Hill Birding. Active member of the Illinois Ornithological Society, having served on the board, and member of the Illinois Ornithological Records Committee.

Chicago migration Warblers Educational tours

10 years of experience

View Profile

Lisa Maier - Red Hill Birding

4.8

Professional birding guide based in McHenry County, Illinois, leading field trips for Red Hill Birding. President of McHenry County Audubon Society and serves on the board of Illinois Audubon Society. Volunteer wildlife monitor for Bird Conservation Network, McHenry County Conservation District, and Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Official counter for Fort Sheridan Hawkwatch. Mentor for Natural Garden in Your Yard program and accomplished artist and beekeeper.

McHenry County birding Migration specialist Warblers

20 years of experience

View Profile

Robert Hughes - The Orniphile

4.8

Native Chicagoan with over 47 years of birding experience, specializing in Montrose Point since 1978. Creator and administrator of The Orniphile blog and website, documenting bird sightings and serving as a comprehensive guide to birding at Montrose Point. Offers guided birding services for Montrose Point and other Chicago area locations. Expert in identifying the 351+ bird species recorded at this premier urban birding location, representing 77% of all birds recorded in Illinois.

Montrose Point expert Migration specialist Urban birding

47 years of experience

View Profile