Wetland birding habitat

McGinnis Slough Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

McGinnis Slough Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 258 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Mallard 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

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

7/18/2026Lake Calumet area--Deadstick Pond1 observed

Upland Sandpiper

Bartramia longicauda

7/18/2026Jackson Park--Columbia Basin1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

7/17/2026Olendorf Road, Monee5 observed

Ring-necked Pheasant

Phasianus colchicus

7/14/2026Helmick Nature Preserve/Butterfield Creek Wetlands1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

7/14/2026Park No. 5661 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

7/12/2026Volbrecht Rd. Fluddle, Ford Heights1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

7/11/2026Park No. 5661 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

37/14/2026

Rock Pigeon

67/14/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/14/2026

Great Egret

17/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/14/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

17/14/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/14/2026

Blue Jay

17/14/2026

European Starling

37/14/2026

American Robin

17/14/2026

American Goldfinch

27/14/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

47/14/2026

Killdeer

17/12/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/12/2026

Northern Flicker

27/12/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/12/2026

Baltimore Oriole

17/12/2026

Northern Cardinal

17/12/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 McGinnis Slough Forest Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit McGinnis Slough Forest Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at McGinnis Slough Forest Preserve?
Notable species at McGinnis Slough Forest Preserve include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Common Merganser, Sandhill Crane. The area supports wetland, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at McGinnis Slough Forest Preserve?
Birding at McGinnis Slough Forest Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at McGinnis Slough Forest Preserve?
McGinnis Slough Forest Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.