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

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

5/31/2026East Fork Lake1 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

5/20/2026East Fork Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Bobwhite

15/27/2026

Wild Turkey

15/27/2026

Mourning Dove

45/27/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/27/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/27/2026

Killdeer

45/27/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/27/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/27/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/27/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/27/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

25/27/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/27/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/27/2026

Northern Flicker

15/27/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/27/2026

Least Flycatcher

15/27/2026

Eastern Phoebe

25/27/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/27/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/27/2026

Philadelphia Vireo

15/27/2026

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.