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

Loading map...

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

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

6/1/2026Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

6/1/202657-80 Warehouse Campus Retention Ponds1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

6/1/2026767 Torrington Drive, Naperville, Illinois, US (41.745, -88.158)

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

5/30/2026Burnham Park--Burnham Nature Sanctuary1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

5/30/2026Thorn Creek Headwaters Preserve--east side1 observed

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

5/30/2026Jackson Park--Wooded Island/Bobolink Meadow area1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

5/30/2026Orland Grassland1 observed

Ring-necked Pheasant

Phasianus colchicus

5/30/2026Helmick Nature Preserve/Butterfield Creek Wetlands1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

5/30/2026Douglass (Anna & Frederick) Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

85/31/2026

Mallard

15/31/2026

Killdeer

15/31/2026

Ring-billed Gull

15/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

45/31/2026

Least Bittern

15/31/2026

Green Heron

15/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

25/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

Blue Jay

25/31/2026

Tree Swallow

15/31/2026

Marsh Wren

25/31/2026

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.