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Overview
Montrose Harbor is a component of the more extensive Chicago Harbors system in the City of Chicago, Illinois, in the United States. The Harbor itself is a large, seasonal, commercial operation catering to pleasure craft and their owners. But that is not the attraction to birders unless you intend to arrive by boat.
It is situated just north of Lincoln Park in the city, on the eastern side of the southern end of Lake Michigan. As such, it's in the middle of an area of public parks, beaches, and coastal areas.
Many Hotspots are surrounding the Harbor and even more are close to it. All this combines to produce an attractive, noteworthy location for birders, especially if such a place, in a pleasant urban setting, is appealing to you.
Birds
Notable Species
This location, and the surrounding area, could easily be called a prime birding location.
It sits on Lake Michigan's shore, one of the Great Lakes, affording it the kind of birding potential that being on a large body of water can offer. It's in a decidedly urban location in one of the largest cities in the United States. The area is a green park-like setting not always found in cities of this size, it's relatively easy to access.
Many species have been sighted here, with many more in the numerous Hotspots in the area. There have been 270 different species sighted here over time spread out over 1660 checklists submitted to eBird in the process.
As an example, the top 5 species, of all time, in terms of the total count, are the Red-breasted Merganser, Canada Goose, European Starling, Ring-billed Gull, and the Lesser Scaup.
In more recent time, the top 5 species, again in terms of the total count, are the European Starling, Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, and the Chimney Swift.
Rarities
There are currently no species listed as rare specifically. However, some of those species that have been seen here, just not frequently, include the Tundra Swan, Trumpeter Swan, Northern Pintail, Red-necked Grebe, Eurasian Collared Dove, American Golden Plover, Greater Yellowlegs, Franklin's Gull, and the Osprey,
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
European Starling, Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard,Chimney Swift, House Sparrow, Rock Pigeon, Semipalmated Sandpiper, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Redpoll, Redhead, Black-bellied Plover, American White Pelican, Blue-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, Ring-billed Gull, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Cedar Waxwing, Savannah Sparrow, Cackling Goose, Common Nighthawk, Sanderling, Tree Swallow, Snow Bunting, American Tree Sparrow, Northern Shoveler
Other Wildlife
To do
Site Information
History and Use
To do
Areas of Interest
Nearby Areas of Interest
Montrose Point / Bird Sanctuary – Lincoln Park is a mixed habitat, natural, and Hotspot just east of the Harbor.
Montrose Dunes – Lincoln Park is a lake-front, natural area and Hotspot a short distance north of Montrose Point.
Montrose Beach is a sandy beach area west of Montrose Dunes.
Montrose Point – Golf Course Pond is a Hotspot just west of the Harbor.
Lincoln Park – Golf Course is a Hotspot west of the Harbor.
Access and Facilities
Access to the general Harbor area can be had from West Montrose Avenue & West Montrose Harbor Drive
Consult a trusted travel professional for specific, up-to-date information regarding travel to this location.
Contact Details
To do
References
- eBird – Montrose Harbor - https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2057479
- Montrose Harbor – Chicago Harbors - https://www.chicagoharbors.info/harbors/montrose/
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Montrose Harbor. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 7 February 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Montrose_Harbor
Maps
Content and images originally posted by SteveWall