Forest birding habitat

Blackwell Forest Preserve - Silver Lake area

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
ForestLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Blackwell Forest Preserve - Silver Lake area is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This forest and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Ring-necked Duck 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

Canada Goose

277/16/2026

Mallard

37/16/2026

Wild Turkey

17/16/2026

Mourning Dove

27/16/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

17/16/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/16/2026

Northern Flicker

17/16/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/16/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

27/16/2026

Blue Jay

37/16/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/16/2026

Tree Swallow

57/16/2026

Barn Swallow

17/16/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

27/16/2026

European Starling

67/16/2026

Gray Catbird

17/16/2026

American Robin

27/16/2026

House Sparrow

37/16/2026

American Goldfinch

67/16/2026

Field Sparrow

27/16/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  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 - Silver Lake area for birding?
The best months to visit Blackwell Forest Preserve - Silver Lake area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Blackwell Forest Preserve - Silver Lake area?
Notable species at Blackwell Forest Preserve - Silver Lake area include Canada Goose, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk. The area supports forest, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Blackwell Forest Preserve - Silver Lake area?
Birding at Blackwell Forest Preserve - Silver Lake area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Blackwell Forest Preserve - Silver Lake area?
Blackwell Forest Preserve - Silver Lake area offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.