Find the sanctuary
The official sanctuary address is 200 W. Montrose Harbor Drive, within Lincoln Park. Its accessible paved loop is about one-third mile long. Natural areas are open dawn to dusk.
Places to Explore • Illinois
A winter walk beside Lake Michigan, with birds, floating ice, and Chicago on the horizon.
Brian visited Montrose once, during winter. The bird sanctuary was quiet on that visit, but the lakefront offered plenty to photograph: blue water, ice patterns, city views, and a few birds along the way. This gallery is a record of that winter outing.
A quieter season
A Blue Jay sits among bare branches, diving ducks cross smooth water, and pigeons rest along concrete walls. Out on the lake, scattered ice creates patterns that change from one view to the next.
The skyline adds another layer to the visit. Some photographs look across gleaming water toward downtown; others bring nearby apartment buildings into view beyond the winter vegetation.
These photographs cover the surrounding Montrose lakefront as well as the visit to the sanctuary area. They do not show the full range of birdlife or vegetation found here through the year.
Why birders return
Spring and fall bring migrating birds to Montrose Point for food, shelter, and rest. The “Magic Hedge” is a roughly 150-yard belt of trees and shrubs famous for attracting them. More than 300 bird species have been recorded across the sanctuary and neighboring Montrose Beach Dunes.
Its beginnings are unexpected: honeysuckle was planted to screen Army barracks. After the Army departed, the shrubs remained; later restoration added native plants that support birds.
A quiet winter visit is only one view of this place. Returning during migration offers a different experience.
Next door to the sanctuary
The dunes at the eastern end of Montrose Beach began recovering when regular beach grooming stopped there in 2001. The natural area now includes beach, dunes, and rare wet depressions known as pannes.
Great Lakes Piping Plovers first nested here in 2019. The names Monty and Rose became a tribute to their Chicago nesting place. These are part of the site’s broader story, rather than birds shown in Brian’s winter photographs.
Respect fenced habitat and seasonal closures so birds have space to feed and nest.
Plan your visit
The official sanctuary address is 200 W. Montrose Harbor Drive, within Lincoln Park. Its accessible paved loop is about one-third mile long. Natural areas are open dawn to dusk.
Spring and fall are migration seasons. Brian’s gallery shows a single winter visit; bird activity and conditions vary from day to day. Bring binoculars and allow time to pause and watch.
Cold lake winds and shoreline ice can change a walk quickly. Wear warm layers and footwear with traction, keep away from icy edges, and do not step onto lake ice. Follow posted closures and use safe, open routes.
Stay on permitted paths and outside fenced areas. Dogs are not allowed in the natural areas. Dune paths are sandy; the paved path along the south edge offers a different surface. Check the official pages for current access information.
Photographs by Brian Woolman
Explore 23 selected photographs, grouped by subject. Open any image to browse the slideshow.
Sanctuary history, migration information, access details, and dune conservation information: Chicago Park District. Consult its current maps and posted signs when planning your route.
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