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
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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
Eurasian Wigeon
Mareca penelope
American Avocet
Recurvirostra americana
Long-billed Dowitcher
Limnodromus scolopaceus
Henslow's Sparrow
Centronyx henslowii
Northern Parula
Setophaga americana
Lark Sparrow
Chondestes grammacus
Spotted Sandpiper
Actitis macularius
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Blue-winged Teal
Northern Shoveler
Mallard
Red-breasted Merganser
Mourning Dove
Killdeer
Spotted Sandpiper
Lesser Yellowlegs
Ring-billed Gull
Caspian Tern
Pied-billed Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
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
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Complete guide to birding in Illinois →