Forest birding habitat

Lyman Woods Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Lyman Woods Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and American Herring Gull 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

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

4/15/2026Whalon Lake Forest Preserve1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

4/15/2026Turtlehead Lake Forest Preserve1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

4/15/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)2 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

4/15/2026Oldfield Oaks Forest Preserve1 observed

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

4/15/2026Thatcher Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/15/2026Marquette Park1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/15/2026G.A.R. Woods1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

64/15/2026

Wood Duck

34/15/2026

Blue-winged Teal

24/15/2026

Mallard

104/15/2026

Hooded Merganser

24/15/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/15/2026

Cooper's Hawk

24/15/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

14/15/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

24/15/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/15/2026

Northern Flicker

74/15/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/15/2026

Blue Jay

124/15/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

34/15/2026

Tree Swallow

114/15/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

14/15/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/15/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

14/15/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/15/2026

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 Lyman Woods Forest Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Lyman Woods Forest Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Lyman Woods Forest Preserve?
Notable species at Lyman Woods Forest Preserve include Canada Goose, Mallard, American Herring Gull, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Lyman Woods Forest Preserve?
Birding at Lyman Woods Forest Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Lyman Woods Forest Preserve?
Lyman Woods Forest Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.