Big Rock Forest Preserve
Illinois · Midwest
About This Location
Big Rock Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Black-capped Chickadee, and White-breasted Nuthatch 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
Gadwall
Mareca strepera
Ruddy Duck
Oxyura jamaicensis
Lincoln's Sparrow
Melospiza lincolnii
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Sitta canadensis
Northern Mockingbird
Mimus polyglottos
Loggerhead Shrike
Lanius ludovicianus
Purple Finch
Haemorhous purpureus
Painted Bunting
Passerina ciris
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Double-crested Cormorant
Turkey Vulture
Osprey
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Least Flycatcher
Eastern Phoebe
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Eastern Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
Tree Swallow
Birding Tips
- 1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
- 2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
- 3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.
Amenities
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Complete guide to birding in Illinois →