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

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

6/1/2026Union Rd. & Hemmingsen Rd. Fluddle1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

6/1/2026Liberty Prairie Nature Preserve1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/31/2026Moraine Hills SP--McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

5/31/2026Deer Park Mall Ponds1 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

5/31/2026North Branch Conservation Area1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/31/2026Burnidge Forest Preserve1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/31/2026Bridge over Des Plaines River Trail1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/31/2026Druce Lake1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

5/30/2026Highland Ave1 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

5/29/2026Seeman Rd. Fluddle5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Greater White-fronted Goose

15/31/2026

Trumpeter Swan

55/31/2026

Wood Duck

65/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Virginia Rail

15/31/2026

Sandhill Crane

65/31/2026

Killdeer

35/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

155/31/2026

Green Heron

15/31/2026

Great Egret

85/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/31/2026

Bald Eagle

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/31/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

35/31/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

25/31/2026

Marsh Wren

15/31/2026

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 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.