Forest birding habitat

Burnidge Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Burnidge Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 231 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Ring-necked Pheasant 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

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

6/3/2026Mooseheart (restricted access)1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

6/3/2026Moraine Hills SP--McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh1 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

6/3/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

6/3/2026Home2 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose (Western)

Anser albifrons

6/2/2026Moraine Hills SP--McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh1 observed

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

6/2/2026Barrington Road Pond3 observed

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

6/2/2026Barrington Road Pond1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

6/2/2026Cosley Zoo1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/1/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

6/1/2026Moraine Hills SP--McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

6/1/2026Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve2 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

6/1/2026Fabyan Forest Preserve1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

5/31/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

156/2/2026

Mourning Dove

26/2/2026

Chimney Swift

16/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Northern Flicker

16/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

36/2/2026

Willow Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Bell's Vireo

16/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/2/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

26/2/2026

Blue Jay

16/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

26/2/2026

Tree Swallow

16/2/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

16/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

26/2/2026

Northern House Wren

16/2/2026

European Starling

26/2/2026

Gray Catbird

26/2/2026

American Robin

106/2/2026

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