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

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

7/11/2026Perricone's Hideaway/Valley View, St. Charles1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

7/11/2026Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve2 observed

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

7/9/2026Barrington Road Pond1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/7/2026Moraine Hills SP--McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

7/6/20262515 S Scheid Lane, McHenry1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/5/2026Highland Ave1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

7/4/2026Wonder Lake1 observed

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

7/3/2026Pratt's Wayne Woods--P371 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

7/3/2026Pratt's Wayne Woods--P3511 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Great Egret

17/13/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/13/2026

Blue Jay

17/13/2026

American Robin

107/13/2026

House Finch

47/13/2026

American Goldfinch

47/13/2026

Field Sparrow

27/13/2026

Song Sparrow

17/13/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

17/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

47/13/2026

Common Yellowthroat

47/13/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/13/2026

Canada Goose

207/13/2026

Mallard

87/13/2026

Mourning Dove

17/13/2026

Chimney Swift

57/13/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

17/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/13/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/13/2026

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.