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

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

4/18/2026Woolley Rd. Subdivision Ponds1 observed

Northern Flicker (Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

4/18/2026Churchill Woods Forest Preserve2 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/18/2026RF backyard -E of GAR Wds1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/18/2026G.A.R. Woods1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/18/2026Mount Auburn Cemetery1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/18/2026Maple Grove Forest Preserve1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/18/2026West Branch Forest Preserve1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

4/18/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/17/2026Westell1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/17/2026Morton Arboretum--West Side1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/18/2026

Mallard

34/18/2026

Mourning Dove

44/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

24/18/2026

Bald Eagle

24/18/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

14/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

44/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/18/2026

Northern Flicker

34/18/2026

Blue Jay

34/18/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

24/18/2026

European Starling

44/18/2026

American Robin

54/18/2026

American Goldfinch

24/18/2026

Song Sparrow

24/18/2026

Swamp Sparrow

14/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

84/18/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

34/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/18/2026

Rock Pigeon

224/14/2026

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.