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

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

7/20/2026Les Arends Forest Preserve1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

7/19/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

7/19/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/18/2026Essington Rd, Bolingbrook US-IL 41.66732, -88.165331 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

7/15/2026Paul Douglas Forest Preserve (Grassy Ridge Meadow)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

27/18/2026

Chimney Swift

27/18/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

27/18/2026

Green Heron

17/18/2026

Great Egret

17/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/18/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

27/18/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

27/18/2026

Northern Flicker

57/18/2026

American Kestrel

17/18/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/18/2026

Willow Flycatcher

17/18/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

37/18/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/18/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

27/18/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/18/2026

Blue Jay

37/18/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

47/18/2026

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.