Forest birding habitat

Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Red-headed Woodpecker 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

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

6/2/2026Techny Basin--north of Willow Rd.2 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/2/2026St. Paul Woods1 observed

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

6/2/2026Barrington Road Pond3 observed

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

6/2/2026Barrington Road Pond1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

6/2/2026Waukegan Beach2 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/2/2026Druce Lake1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

6/2/2026Illinois Beach SP (North Unit)--general1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/2/2026Illinois Beach SP (South Unit)--general1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

6/2/2026Illinois Beach SP (South Unit)--general1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

6/2/2026Illinois Beach SP (South Unit)--general1 observed

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

6/2/2026Johns-Manville Corp. Superfund Site (restricted access)1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

6/2/2026Waukegan Beach2 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

6/1/20265700 N Menard Ave, Chicago US-IL (41.9848,-87.7735)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

156/2/2026

Mallard

26/2/2026

Mourning Dove

46/2/2026

Chimney Swift

26/2/2026

Killdeer

26/2/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

16/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

146/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/2/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

36/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

66/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

26/2/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

36/2/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Northern Flicker

56/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

66/2/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

66/2/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

16/2/2026

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