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

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

4/15/2026Moraine Hills State Park1 observed

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

4/15/2026Bangs Lake--North1 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

4/15/2026Square Barn Rd. and Mackeben Elementary School Fluddle1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/15/2026Darrell Rd. Marsh1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/15/2026Broadsmore Drive Ponds, Algonquin1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/15/2026Butler Lake, Libertyville1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

194/14/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

604/14/2026

American White Pelican

704/14/2026

Bald Eagle

24/14/2026

Tree Swallow

24/14/2026

American Robin

24/14/2026

Song Sparrow

14/14/2026

Pine Warbler

14/14/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/14/2026

Trumpeter Swan

24/14/2026

Wood Duck

34/14/2026

Blue-winged Teal

124/14/2026

Northern Shoveler

14/14/2026

Mallard

14/14/2026

Lesser Scaup

84/14/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

24/14/2026

Osprey

24/14/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

24/14/2026

Belted Kingfisher

14/14/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/14/2026

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.