Wetland birding habitat

Blackwell Forest Preserve - McKee Marsh

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Blackwell Forest Preserve - McKee Marsh is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 251 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and forest habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, and Hairy Woodpecker among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

4/15/2026Whalon Lake Forest Preserve1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

4/15/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)2 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

4/15/2026Oldfield Oaks Forest Preserve1 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

4/14/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/14/2026Morton Arboretum--West Side1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/14/2026Waa Kee Sha Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

14/13/2026

Killdeer

24/13/2026

American Woodcock

24/13/2026

American Robin

104/13/2026

House Sparrow

54/13/2026

American Tree Sparrow

24/13/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

14/13/2026

Song Sparrow

14/13/2026

Eastern Towhee

14/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

104/13/2026

Canada Goose

24/11/2026

Mallard

24/11/2026

American Coot

14/11/2026

Sandhill Crane

14/11/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/11/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/11/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

24/11/2026

American Kestrel

14/11/2026

Swamp Sparrow

14/11/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/11/2026

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 Blackwell Forest Preserve - McKee Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Blackwell Forest Preserve - McKee Marsh for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Blackwell Forest Preserve - McKee Marsh?
Notable species at Blackwell Forest Preserve - McKee Marsh include Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, Hairy Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports wetland, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Blackwell Forest Preserve - McKee Marsh?
Birding at Blackwell Forest Preserve - McKee Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Blackwell Forest Preserve - McKee Marsh?
Blackwell Forest Preserve - McKee Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.