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

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/15/2026Sports Club Dr. Fluddles1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

4/15/2026901 Madison Ave, Wauconda US-IL (42.2715,-88.1288)1 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

4/15/2026800 Academic Drive, Algonquin, Illinois, US (42.159, -88.374)1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

4/15/2026Moraine Hills State Park1 observed

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

4/15/2026Skokie Lagoons Forest Preserve--Willow Rd.1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/15/2026The Hollows Conservation Area1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/15/2026Three Oaks Recreation Area2 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

4/15/2026Alleghany Park1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

4/14/2026Sports Club Dr. Fluddles4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

64/12/2026

Mallard

64/12/2026

Bufflehead

24/12/2026

Sandhill Crane

14/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/12/2026

Osprey

14/12/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/12/2026

Great Horned Owl

34/12/2026

Blue Jay

34/12/2026

European Starling

34/12/2026

American Robin

84/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

4/12/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/12/2026

Blue-winged Teal

44/12/2026

Northern Shoveler

14/12/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/12/2026

Northern Flicker

14/12/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/12/2026

Tree Swallow

14/12/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

34/12/2026

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.