Forest birding habitat

Fox River Shores Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
ForestRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fox River Shores Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This forest and river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Common Goldeneye 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

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/15/2026Sports Club Dr. Fluddles1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

4/15/2026Alleghany Park1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/14/2026Union Rd. & Rt. 47 Fluddle1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

4/14/2026Moraine Hills State Park1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

4/14/2026Chapman Rd, Burlington1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/14/2026Busse Woods (Ned Brown Forest Preserve)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

4/5/2026

Wood Duck

84/5/2026

Blue-winged Teal

24/5/2026

Mallard

4/5/2026

Rock Pigeon

94/5/2026

Mourning Dove

34/5/2026

Killdeer

24/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

34/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

294/5/2026

Great Egret

14/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

34/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/5/2026

Cooper's Hawk

14/5/2026

Bald Eagle

14/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

34/5/2026

Belted Kingfisher

24/5/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

124/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

44/5/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

34/5/2026

Northern Flicker

54/5/2026

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 Fox River Shores Forest Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Fox River Shores Forest Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fox River Shores Forest Preserve?
Notable species at Fox River Shores Forest Preserve include Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser. The area supports forest, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fox River Shores Forest Preserve?
Birding at Fox River Shores Forest Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Fox River Shores Forest Preserve?
Fox River Shores Forest Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.