Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary (in Lincoln Park)

Located in Lincoln Park, Montrose Point is a 10-acre bird sanctuary that attracts tens of thousands of migratory birds of more than 300 different species each spring and fall. They stop here for rest, food and shelter. East of the bathhouse is “The Magic Hedge”, a 150 yard stretch of shrubs and several trees, so-called because it attracts a curiously high number of migratory birds. Important migrants include most species of Warblers seen in the Chicago area, Thrushes, Sparrows, Purple Martins, Woodpeckers and many others. Nesters include Common Yellowthroats, Catbirds, Red-winged Blackbirds, Mourning Doves, and Brown Thrashers. It is no wonder “The Magic Hedge” has become an internationally recognized birding area.

“The Magic Hedge” did not just appear on its own. During the 1950’s through 1970’s, the Army leased land at Montrose and built two barracks. Honeysuckle was planted to screen them from public view. Long after the Army left, the honeysuckle remains and forms the basic feature of “The Magic Hedge” today. During the 1980’s and early 1990’s birding organizations and the Park District cooperated to enhance bird-friendly plantings around “The Magic Hedge”. These plantings included blackhaw and nannyberry viburnum, serviceberry, chokeberry, fragrant sumac, and other shrubs.

In 2001, the Park District’s renewed its commitment to preserving and enhancing habitat for migratory birds by planting hundreds of bird-friendly, native shade trees, flowering trees, shrubs and wildflowers in the sanctuary. Other improvements include the installation of a stone birdbath that releases a constant trickle of water and the conversion of a non-native meadow to a prairie habitat. Birding organizations and community volunteers assist with public education and stewardship activities at the site.