River/Riparian birding habitat

Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, and Canada Goose 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

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

7/5/2026Old Ingraham Road/cattle pasture1 observed

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

7/4/2026pleasant hill cemetery1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

7/3/2026Little Wabash River and Rt. 502 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

287/10/2026

Mallard

17/10/2026

Northern Bobwhite

27/10/2026

Mourning Dove

57/10/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/10/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/10/2026

Killdeer

167/10/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

27/10/2026

Great Egret

1097/10/2026

Great Blue Heron

227/10/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/10/2026

Belted Kingfisher

37/10/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

27/10/2026

American Kestrel

17/10/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/10/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/10/2026

American Crow

27/10/2026

Carolina Chickadee

17/10/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/10/2026

Horned Lark

27/10/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  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 Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands for birding?
The best months to visit Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands?
Notable species at Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands include Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Tundra Swan, Wood Duck. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands?
Birding at Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands?
Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.