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

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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

6/1/2026Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve1 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

6/1/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/1/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

6/1/2026Fabyan Forest Preserve1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

6/1/2026767 Torrington Drive, Naperville, Illinois, US (41.745, -88.158)

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

5/31/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

5/31/20262923 Chevy Chase Ln2 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/31/2026Burnidge Forest Preserve1 observed

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

5/31/2026stakeout Painted Bunting, Aurora (2026)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

16/1/2026

Mourning Dove

16/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

36/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/1/2026

Cooper's Hawk

16/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

26/1/2026

Blue Jay

46/1/2026

Tree Swallow

106/1/2026

Northern House Wren

26/1/2026

European Starling

86/1/2026

Gray Catbird

16/1/2026

Eastern Bluebird

36/1/2026

American Robin

36/1/2026

American Goldfinch

26/1/2026

Field Sparrow

16/1/2026

Song Sparrow

16/1/2026

Eastern Towhee

16/1/2026

Orchard Oriole

16/1/2026

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 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.