eBird Hotspot: Canal Shores Golf Course, Cook County, IL, US
The course runs along the North Shore Channel from northern Evanston (1030 Central St.) into Wilmette. About half the property is golf course; the other half offers wonderful habitat for birding. There are wooded areas as well as small wetland and open meadow areas. Volunteers work to improve the habitat, removing invasive species such as buckthorn, honeysuckle and oriental bittersweet, replacing them with native shrubs and trees. There are two designated Birding Loops on the property.
Note: Before you go, be sure to visit the Canal Shores Golf Course website. From there, click on the Ecology tab and select from the drop-down list. It is recommended that you read the pdf, Birding at Canal Shores, for helpful information on how and when to access the property, parking etc. Under the Ecology tab you will also find maps for the birding loops, a list of birds at Canal Shores and a basic bird identification guide.