Wetland birding habitat

Moraine Hills State Park - McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Moraine Hills State Park - McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 255 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, 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

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

7/10/2026North Branch Conservation Area1 observed

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

7/9/2026Barrington Road Pond1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/7/2026Moraine Hills SP--McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

7/6/20262515 S Scheid Lane, McHenry1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

7/5/2026Chain-o-Lakes State Park1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/5/2026Highland Ave1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

7/5/2026The lake1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

7/4/2026Wonder Lake1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/3/2026Rollins Savanna area1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/1/2026Chain-o-Lakes State Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eastern Kingbird

27/12/2026

Canada Goose

127/12/2026

Wood Duck

47/12/2026

Mourning Dove

47/12/2026

Killdeer

47/12/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

27/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

147/12/2026

Green Heron

27/12/2026

Great Egret

27/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/12/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/12/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

37/12/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/12/2026

Downy Woodpecker

27/12/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

27/12/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/12/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

47/12/2026

Blue Jay

17/12/2026

American Crow

27/12/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/12/2026

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 Moraine Hills State Park - McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Moraine Hills State Park - McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Moraine Hills State Park - McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh?
Notable species at Moraine Hills State Park - McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, American Black Duck, Redhead. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Moraine Hills State Park - McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh?
Birding at Moraine Hills State Park - McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Moraine Hills State Park - McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh?
Moraine Hills State Park - McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.