Wetland birding habitat

Almond Marsh Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Almond Marsh Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Northern Shoveler among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

6/2/2026Techny Basin--north of Willow Rd.2 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose (Western)

Anser albifrons

6/2/2026Moraine Hills SP--McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

6/2/2026Waukegan Beach2 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/2/2026Druce Lake1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

6/2/2026Illinois Beach SP (North Unit)--general1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/2/2026Illinois Beach SP (South Unit)--general1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

6/2/2026Illinois Beach SP (South Unit)--general1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

6/2/2026Illinois Beach SP (South Unit)--general1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

6/2/2026North Point Marina/State Line Beach, Winthrop Harbor1 observed

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

6/2/2026Johns-Manville Corp. Superfund Site (restricted access)1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

6/2/2026Waukegan Beach2 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

6/1/2026Liberty Prairie Nature Preserve1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

6/1/2026Home-ish2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Trumpeter Swan

26/2/2026

American Coot

16/2/2026

Green Heron

16/2/2026

Marsh Wren

16/2/2026

Canada Goose

136/1/2026

Wood Duck

166/1/2026

Gadwall

16/1/2026

Mallard

56/1/2026

Mourning Dove

16/1/2026

Killdeer

16/1/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

16/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

36/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/1/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/1/2026

Willow Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/1/2026

Tree Swallow

76/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Almond Marsh Forest Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Almond Marsh Forest Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Almond Marsh Forest Preserve?
Notable species at Almond Marsh Forest Preserve include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Green-winged Teal. The area supports wetland, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Almond Marsh Forest Preserve?
Birding at Almond Marsh Forest Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Almond Marsh Forest Preserve?
Almond Marsh Forest Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.