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

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

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

65/30/2026

Mourning Dove

45/30/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/30/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

45/30/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

25/30/2026

Northern House Wren

35/30/2026

Gray Catbird

25/30/2026

American Robin

155/30/2026

Cedar Waxwing

15/30/2026

House Sparrow

35/30/2026

American Goldfinch

45/30/2026

Song Sparrow

25/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

35/30/2026

Common Grackle

15/30/2026

Common Yellowthroat

25/30/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

25/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

45/30/2026

Indigo Bunting

25/30/2026

Mallard

25/28/2026

Chimney Swift

25/28/2026

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.