Jackson Park - Wooded Island

Created for the Columbian exposition of 1893, this 543-acre unit of the Chicago Park District provides a mosaic of lakefront, open water, marsh, grassland and woods. Migrants of all kinds are abundant during spring and fall migration seasons.

One observer recorded 34 species of warblers on a single day in May. Jackson Park also has more than its share of rarities, including Black Rail, Townsend’s Warbler and Brewer’s Sparrow. The region’s largest population of the introduced Monk Parakeet resides in the park and adjacent neighborhoods.

Virtually anywhere in the park can yield good birding, but birders concentrate at the Paul H. Douglas Nature Sanctuary (Wooded Island) and the nearby Bobolink Meadow.

Bird Walks

Check out our Bird Walks page for weekly bird walk information.

Chicago Park District website

Address: 5800 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60637