Forest birding habitat

Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Common Merganser 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

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

6/1/2026Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve1 observed

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

6/1/2026Union Rd. & Hemmingsen Rd. Fluddle1 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

6/1/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/1/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

6/1/2026Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve2 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

6/1/2026Fabyan Forest Preserve1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

6/1/2026767 Torrington Drive, Naperville, Illinois, US (41.745, -88.158)

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

5/31/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

5/31/20262923 Chevy Chase Ln2 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

5/31/2026Deer Park Mall Ponds1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/31/2026Burnidge Forest Preserve1 observed

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

5/31/2026stakeout Painted Bunting, Aurora (2026)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

205/29/2026

Mallard

15/29/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/29/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

35/29/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

45/29/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/29/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

45/29/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

25/29/2026

Blue Jay

25/29/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/29/2026

Tree Swallow

25/29/2026

European Starling

35/29/2026

American Robin

155/29/2026

Cedar Waxwing

25/29/2026

House Finch

25/29/2026

Song Sparrow

35/29/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/29/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

75/29/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

35/29/2026

Common Grackle

15/29/2026

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 Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve?
Notable species at Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve include Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Mourning Dove, Killdeer. The area supports forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve?
Birding at Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve?
Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.