Fox Creek SFWA/Bailey Wetlands

Illinois · Midwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

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 204 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, and Northern Shoveler 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

Greater White-fronted Goose Canada Goose Northern Shoveler Gadwall Mallard

Live Bird Data

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

Wild Turkey

17/3/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/3/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/3/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

17/3/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/3/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/3/2026

Carolina Chickadee

27/3/2026

Tufted Titmouse

17/3/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/3/2026

Carolina Wren

17/3/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

27/3/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

47/3/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

17/3/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/3/2026

Northern Parula

17/3/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/3/2026

Indigo Bunting

27/3/2026

Wood Duck

47/2/2026

Mallard

27/2/2026

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 Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard. 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.