Forest birding habitat

McDowell Grove Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

McDowell Grove Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Red-tailed Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and American Robin 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

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

7/20/2026Les Arends Forest Preserve1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

7/19/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

7/19/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/18/2026Essington Rd, Bolingbrook US-IL 41.66732, -88.165331 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

67/19/2026

Canada Goose

167/18/2026

Mallard

87/18/2026

Mourning Dove

27/18/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

37/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/18/2026

Great Egret

37/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/18/2026

Osprey

17/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/18/2026

Northern Flicker

27/18/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/18/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/18/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

27/18/2026

Eastern Kingbird

37/18/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

27/18/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/18/2026

Blue Jay

77/18/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/18/2026

Tree Swallow

37/18/2026

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