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

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

4/15/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/15/2026G.A.R. Woods1 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

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

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

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

304/15/2026

Mallard

164/15/2026

Rock Pigeon

44/15/2026

Mourning Dove

34/15/2026

Sandhill Crane

24/15/2026

Killdeer

34/15/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Northern Flicker

14/15/2026

Blue Jay

24/15/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

24/15/2026

Tree Swallow

184/15/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/15/2026

European Starling

94/15/2026

American Robin

114/15/2026

House Sparrow

34/15/2026

American Goldfinch

74/15/2026

Field Sparrow

24/15/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

34/15/2026

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.