River/Riparian birding habitat

Black Walnut Creek Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Black Walnut Creek Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, 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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/2/2026Goodenow Grove--Plum Creek Nature Center1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

6/2/2026Midewin Natl Tallgrass Prairie--Wauponsee Glacial Trail Area1 observed

Ring-necked Pheasant

Phasianus colchicus

6/2/2026Helmick Nature Preserve/Butterfield Creek Wetlands1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/2/2026Glenwood Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

6/1/202657-80 Warehouse Campus Retention Ponds1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

5/30/2026Thorn Creek Headwaters Preserve--east side1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

5/30/2026Orland Grassland1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

5/27/2026Wolf Lake/William Powers SRA1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

5/26/202630 East 67th Avenue, Merrillville, Indiana, US (41.497, -87.334)1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

5/25/2026Plum Creek Forest Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

25/29/2026

Killdeer

25/29/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

35/29/2026

Green Heron

15/29/2026

Great Egret

25/29/2026

Willow Flycatcher

25/29/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/29/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

35/29/2026

Northern House Wren

15/29/2026

European Starling

175/29/2026

American Robin

45/29/2026

House Sparrow

65/29/2026

Song Sparrow

25/29/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

145/29/2026

Common Yellowthroat

25/29/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

25/29/2026

Northern Cardinal

25/29/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Black Walnut Creek Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Black Walnut Creek Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Black Walnut Creek Preserve?
Notable species at Black Walnut Creek Preserve include Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Green-winged Teal. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Black Walnut Creek Preserve?
Birding at Black Walnut Creek Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Black Walnut Creek Preserve?
Black Walnut Creek Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.