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

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

4/15/202660156, Algonquin US-IL 42.15770, -88.374501 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

4/15/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/15/2026The Hollows Conservation Area1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/15/2026Three Oaks Recreation Area2 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

4/14/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

4/14/2026Chapman Rd, Burlington1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/14/2026Morton Arboretum--West Side1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

4/14/2026Morton Arboretum--East Side1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

24/13/2026

Canada Goose

164/10/2026

Mallard

104/10/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/10/2026

Cooper's Hawk

24/10/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/10/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

14/10/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

44/10/2026

Downy Woodpecker

64/10/2026

Northern Flicker

24/10/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

74/10/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/10/2026

Tree Swallow

204/10/2026

Barn Swallow

14/10/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/10/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

104/10/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

34/10/2026

Brown Creeper

24/10/2026

European Starling

24/10/2026

Brown Thrasher

14/10/2026

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.