Forest birding habitat

Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 207 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and Downy Woodpecker 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

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/2/2026Lincoln Park--Diversey Harbor1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

6/2/2026Montrose Dunes, Lincoln Park2 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

6/2/2026Montrose Point1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/2/2026St. Paul Woods1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/2/2026Lincoln Park Zoo1 observed

Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

6/2/2026Cap Sauers Holdings Forest Preserve1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

6/2/2026Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

6/2/2026Ronan Park1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

6/2/2026Cosley Zoo1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

26/2/2026

Mallard

26/2/2026

Mourning Dove

16/2/2026

Great Egret

16/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Blue Jay

26/2/2026

American Robin

16/2/2026

Song Sparrow

16/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

16/2/2026

Common Grackle

16/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/2/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

26/2/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

26/2/2026

Northern Flicker

16/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

36/2/2026

Eastern Phoebe

16/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

26/2/2026

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 Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve?
Notable species at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve include Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, White-breasted Nuthatch. The area supports forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve?
Birding at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve?
Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.