Shorebirds
Montrose Beach is the best beach in Chicago to see migrant shorebirds. To date, 35 species of sandpipers and plovers have been recorded there; of these about 22 are annual. Unfortunately, Montrose Beach is also a very popular swimming and dog walking beach, so most shorebirds don't bother stopping or if they do stop they don't stay long. However, if there is green "gunk" on the beach there will usually be shorebirds feeding in the stuff. This gunk is just accumulated algae, leaves, and other organic debris (and some inorganic too!).
Lesser Yellowlegs
A number of uncommon species occur with some regularity at Montrose. Piping Plovers like the wide sandy beach and are about as likely in spring as fall, from late April to mid-May and again from mid-July to about Labor Day. American Golden-Plovers are seen every fall in September, usually flying by. Black-bellied Plovers are seen in the spring and fall and are more likely to spend time on the beach than the Golden. Willets are also seen every spring and fall and occasionally a large flock of 20 or more birds makes an appearance. Baird's Sandpipers are regular in the fall, beginning in mid-August. An even more uncommon species, the Buff-breasted Sandpiper is seen every fall in small numbers. Though most often seen as flybys, one will sometimes land on the beach where they can be very tame and approachable. Whimbrels are recorded every year, with the third week in May and the period around Labor Day being the best times to see this elegant wader. Unlike other shorebirds, Whimbrels can sometimes be seen away from the beach, walking on the grass or rocks, and like the Buff-breasted can be very tame. Red Knots have been recorded a number of times over the years, mostly juvenals in August and September. During the late 1970's and early 1980's, Red Phalaropes were almost regular at Montrose in November. They were most often seen at the base of the fishhook pier, spinning and feeding in the mucky water near the beach. Although one hasn't been seen at Montrose in a few years, this species should still be looked for in November. American Woodcocks are often flushed from the hedges and underbrush in March and October. They can also be seen flying in off of Lake Michigan after a night of migration. Finally, Wilson's Snipes can be found in the meadow in April and September; like the woodcock they usually make their presence known only after being flushed.
