a colorful bird sitting on top of a tree branch

Greene Valley Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, 1 hour after sunrise to 1 hour after sunset

About This Location

Greene Valley Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 268 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Green-winged Teal 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

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

7/21/2026Fox River Trail, North Aurora1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

7/19/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

7/19/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/18/2026Essington Rd, Bolingbrook US-IL 41.66732, -88.165331 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/20/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/20/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/20/2026

Northern Flicker

27/20/2026

Blue Jay

27/20/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/20/2026

Northern House Wren

17/20/2026

Gray Catbird

37/20/2026

American Robin

67/20/2026

American Goldfinch

27/20/2026

Song Sparrow

27/20/2026

Eastern Towhee

17/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

47/20/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

27/20/2026

Common Yellowthroat

27/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

47/20/2026

Indigo Bunting

17/20/2026

Bald Eagle

37/18/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

37/18/2026

Eastern Kingbird

17/18/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Greene Valley Forest Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Greene Valley Forest Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Greene Valley Forest Preserve?
Notable species at Greene Valley Forest Preserve include Canada Goose, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Mourning Dove, Cooper's Hawk, Downy Woodpecker, American Robin, House Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Northern Cardinal. The area supports forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Greene Valley Forest Preserve?
Birding at Greene Valley Forest Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Greene Valley Forest Preserve?
There is no entrance fee at Greene Valley Forest Preserve. Hours: Open daily, 1 hour after sunrise to 1 hour after sunset.
What amenities are available at Greene Valley Forest Preserve?
Greene Valley Forest Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.