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

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

6/2/2026Barrington Road Pond3 observed

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

6/2/2026Barrington Road Pond1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

6/1/2026Moraine Hills SP--McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

6/1/2026Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve2 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

6/1/2026Fabyan Forest Preserve1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

5/31/2026Deer Park Mall Ponds1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/31/2026Burnidge Forest Preserve1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

5/30/2026Pratt's Wayne Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

5/29/2026Seeman Rd. Fluddle5 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/29/20261267 Kessler Dr, Mundelein US-IL 42.28028, -88.048361 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/28/2026Oak Ridge Marsh Nature Park1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

5/28/2026Seeman Rd. Fluddle1 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

5/28/2026Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brown Thrasher

15/20/2026

Bobolink

15/20/2026

Orchard Oriole

15/20/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/20/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

15/20/2026

Canada Warbler

15/20/2026

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

25/20/2026

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.