Forest birding habitat

Deer Grove Forest Preserve - East

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Deer Grove Forest Preserve - East is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This 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

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

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/5/2026Highland Ave1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/3/2026Bur Oak Residence Lake Forest1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

7/3/2026Pratt's Wayne Woods--P371 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

7/3/2026Pratt's Wayne Woods--P3511 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/3/2026Rollins Savanna area1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

6/29/2026Rivershire Park and Nature Center2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

17/8/2026

Mallard

17/8/2026

Great Egret

37/8/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/8/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

17/8/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

27/8/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/8/2026

American Kestrel

17/8/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/8/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

37/8/2026

Blue Jay

37/8/2026

Tree Swallow

157/8/2026

Barn Swallow

87/8/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

27/8/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/8/2026

Marsh Wren

27/8/2026

Cedar Waxwing

17/8/2026

American Goldfinch

67/8/2026

Henslow's Sparrow

17/8/2026

Song Sparrow

127/8/2026

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