LaBagh Woods
Illinois · Midwest
Easy
May, September-October
Free
Dawn to dusk daily
About This Location
LaBagh Woods is a 73-acre Cook County Forest Preserve on the North Branch of the Chicago River that serves as one of the city's most reliable spring migrant traps. The preserve's mature floodplain forest, with its towering cottonwoods and oaks along the river, concentrates neotropical migrants moving along the river corridor.
During peak spring migration in May, the woods can rival Montrose Point for warbler diversity. The understory is excellent for skulking species like Connecticut and Mourning Warblers, while the canopy hosts Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and Baltimore Orioles. The North Branch Trail runs through the preserve, providing easy access. Birders particularly value LaBagh for its quieter, less crowded atmosphere compared to the lakefront parks.
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
Connecticut Warbler
Oporornis agilis
Eastern Screech-Owl
Megascops asio
Eastern Screech-Owl (Northern)
Megascops asio
Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifrons
Henslow's Sparrow
Centronyx henslowii
Laughing Gull
Leucophaeus atricilla
Wild Turkey
Meleagris gallopavo
Mallard x American Black Duck (hybrid)
Anas platyrhynchos x rubripes
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Ring-billed Gull
American Herring Gull
Black-crowned Night Heron
Great Blue Heron
Northern Flicker
American Kestrel
Black-capped Chickadee
Barn Swallow
American Robin
House Sparrow
American Goldfinch
Baltimore Oriole
Magnolia Warbler
Northern Cardinal
Mallard
Rock Pigeon
Red-tailed Hawk
Downy Woodpecker
Birding Tips
- 1
The main birding area is the floodplain forest between the parking lot and the North Branch
- 2
Mid-May is peak — focus on the understory for Connecticut and Mourning Warblers
- 3
Less crowded than Montrose Point and often just as productive during migration
- 4
Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity
- 5
Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- North Branch Trail
- Gompers Park
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