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

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

6/1/2026Bench on Niles and Oakton (in front of CC)1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

6/1/2026Liberty Prairie Nature Preserve1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/31/2026Moraine Hills SP--McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh1 observed

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

5/31/2026Willow Hill Golf Course, Northbrook3 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

5/31/2026Deer Park Mall Ponds1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/31/2026Burnidge Forest Preserve1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/31/2026Bridge over Des Plaines River Trail1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/31/2026Druce Lake1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

5/30/2026Highland Ave1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

5/30/2026Pratt's Wayne Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

45/28/2026

Wood Duck

25/28/2026

Mallard

45/28/2026

Mourning Dove

45/28/2026

Sandhill Crane

35/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/28/2026

Great Egret

25/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/28/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

105/28/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

45/28/2026

Northern Flicker

35/28/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/28/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/28/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

55/28/2026

Blue Jay

35/28/2026

American Crow

15/28/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

15/28/2026

Barn Swallow

605/28/2026

Sedge Wren

15/28/2026

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.