Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve
Illinois · Midwest
Moderate
April-May, September-October
About This Location
Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This forest and river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Hooded Merganser among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.
Location
Loading map...
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
Semipalmated Plover
Charadrius semipalmatus
Northern Mockingbird
Mimus polyglottos
Dunlin
Calidris alpina
Western Kingbird
Tyrannus verticalis
Magnolia Warbler
Setophaga magnolia
Laughing Gull
Leucophaeus atricilla
Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifrons
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelis
Lesser Yellowlegs
Tringa flavipes
Ring-necked Duck
Aythya collaris
Lincoln's Sparrow
Melospiza lincolnii
Nashville Warbler
Leiothlypis ruficapilla
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Mourning Dove
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Great Crested Flycatcher
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
Tree Swallow
White-breasted Nuthatch
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Northern House Wren
European Starling
Gray Catbird
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
House Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Birding Tips
- 1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
- 2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
- 3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.
Amenities
More in Illinois
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary
Chicago's top birding spot where the Magic Hedge traps migrating songbirds.
Jackson Park / Wooded Island
Chicago South Side migrant trap on a historic Wooded Island with 250+ species and outstanding warbler fallouts.
Illinois Beach State Park
Illinois' last natural Lake Michigan shore with 300+ species, shorebird migration, and grassland birds.
Illinois Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Illinois →