Wetland birding habitat

Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and Sandhill Crane 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

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/18/2026Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

7/18/2026Opa And Oma (House N)

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/17/2026Northbrook House New1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/17/2026Bur Oak Residence Lake Forest1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

7/17/2026Great Lakes Naval Training Center (restricted access)1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

7/15/2026Paul Douglas Forest Preserve (Grassy Ridge Meadow)2 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

7/14/2026Saddle Hill Rd, Green Oaks, Libertyville2 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

7/11/2026Perricone's Hideaway/Valley View, St. Charles1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/11/2026Techny Basin--north of Willow Rd.1 observed

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

7/9/2026Barrington Road Pond1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/7/2026Moraine Hills SP--McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

7/6/20262515 S Scheid Lane, McHenry1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

117/18/2026

Mourning Dove

87/18/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

47/18/2026

Caspian Tern

27/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/18/2026

Great Egret

37/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Northern Flicker

47/18/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/18/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

37/18/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/18/2026

Blue Jay

57/18/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/18/2026

Tree Swallow

27/18/2026

Barn Swallow

37/18/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

37/18/2026

Northern House Wren

17/18/2026

Gray Catbird

87/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve?
Notable species at Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, Sandhill Crane, Red-tailed Hawk, American Tree Sparrow. The area supports wetland, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve?
Birding at Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve?
Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.