LaBagh Woods Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

LaBagh Woods Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Red-bellied Woodpecker 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

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

3/5/2026Loyola Park1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/5/2026Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park4 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/4/2026Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Lincoln Park1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

3/4/2026Bensenville Ditch1 observed

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

3/4/2026Busse Woods, Rolling Meadows US-IL 42.04751, -88.025633 observed

Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)

Junco hyemalis

3/4/20261207 Dobson1 observed

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

3/3/2026Lincoln Park--South Pond1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

3/3/2026Northerly Island13 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/2/2026Busse Woods--south pool5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

43/4/2026

Mallard

263/4/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/4/2026

House Finch

13/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/4/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Hermit Thrush

13/1/2026

American Robin

3/1/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

3/1/2026

Mourning Dove

12/27/2026

Sandhill Crane

552/27/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

22/27/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

12/27/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

12/27/2026

House Sparrow

42/27/2026

Winter Wren

12/23/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

12/23/2026

Belted Kingfisher

12/21/2026

Merlin

12/21/2026

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 LaBagh Woods Forest Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit LaBagh Woods Forest Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at LaBagh Woods Forest Preserve?
Notable species at LaBagh Woods Forest Preserve include Canada Goose, Mallard, Red-bellied Woodpecker, House Finch, Northern Cardinal, Mourning Dove, European Starling, Red-winged Blackbird, Rock Pigeon, Killdeer, House Sparrow, Merlin. The area supports forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at LaBagh Woods Forest Preserve?
Birding at LaBagh Woods Forest Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at LaBagh Woods Forest Preserve?
There is no entrance fee at LaBagh Woods Forest Preserve. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at LaBagh Woods Forest Preserve?
LaBagh Woods Forest Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.