Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands

Illinois · Midwest

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Habitat

River/Riparian

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

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

Snow Goose Greater White-fronted Goose Canada Goose Tundra Swan Wood Duck

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/14/2026Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands (Wayne Co.)1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/12/2026Bob & Marcia's Place1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

4/12/2026Bob & Marcia's Place1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

4/8/2026Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands (Wayne Co.)7 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

4/6/2026Ridge Road and Elbow Lane, Richland County2 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

4/3/2026East Fork Lake--Bird Haven (Robert Ridgway Memorial)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/14/2026

Wood Duck

24/14/2026

Blue-winged Teal

404/14/2026

Northern Shoveler

24/14/2026

Mallard

154/14/2026

Green-winged Teal

64/14/2026

Hooded Merganser

14/14/2026

Mourning Dove

34/14/2026

American Coot

14/14/2026

Black-necked Stilt

24/14/2026

Killdeer

44/14/2026

Wilson's Snipe

34/14/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

14/14/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

504/14/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

154/14/2026

Least Sandpiper

104/14/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

1004/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

64/14/2026

Bald Eagle

64/14/2026

Birding Tips

1
Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.
2
Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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Illinois Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Illinois →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

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.