Birdwatching
Cantigny is an excellent place to watch birds, especially in the spring and fall! The 500-acre property features good habitat variety and is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.
Birding for All
Our “Accessible Birding” outings, inspired by Birdability.org and initiated in 2021, aim to make birdwatching more inclusive. For these walks, tailored for those with limited mobility, we stay on firm or hard surfaces–fine for those using canes, walkers and wheelchairs. Our pace is “slow and easy,” taking advantage of Cantigny’s new pathways and benches as we explore areas close to the Visitors Center. Beginning birders are welcome, and binoculars are available for borrowing. Wheelchairs are also available for sign-out at the Visitors Center information kiosk.
Purple Martin Colony
Cantigny Golf is proud to host a thriving colony of Purple Martins, North America’s largest member of the swallow family. Look for the apartment-style houses on the right as you approach the Cantigny Golf Academy. There’s even a street sign: Purple Martin Place. The birds usually arrive in early April and stay until early August before migrating south.
Bluebird Nest Boxes
More than 50 nest boxes for Eastern Bluebirds are located throughout Cantigny Park and Cantigny Golf. The houses are carefully monitored each year to measure nest productivity. Tree Swallows, Black-capped Chickadees and House Wrens sometimes occupy the houses, too.
Chimney Swift Tower
A custom-made tower was erected near the Idea Garden in 2012, a generous gift from Jackie Vernot and Ray Kotz. Swifts nested in it for the first time in 2015. The tower features a bulletin board with information about Chimney Swifts and the Cantigny birding program.
Enjoy the Birds of Cantigny!
