Wetland birding habitat

Nelson Lake Marsh Nature Preserve/Dick Young Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandForestLake
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Nelson Lake Marsh Nature Preserve/Dick Young Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 267 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, American Wigeon, 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

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

6/1/2026Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve1 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

6/1/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/1/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

6/1/2026Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve2 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

6/1/2026Fabyan Forest Preserve1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

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

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

5/31/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

5/31/20262923 Chevy Chase Ln2 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/31/2026Burnidge Forest Preserve1 observed

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

5/31/2026stakeout Painted Bunting, Aurora (2026)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

16/1/2026

Wood Duck

16/1/2026

Mallard

46/1/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

26/1/2026

Rock Pigeon

266/1/2026

Mourning Dove

26/1/2026

Black-billed Cuckoo

16/1/2026

Chimney Swift

16/1/2026

Killdeer

16/1/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

16/1/2026

Osprey

16/1/2026

Northern Flicker

16/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

16/1/2026

Willow Flycatcher

36/1/2026

Eastern Phoebe

36/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

26/1/2026

Blue Jay

26/1/2026

American Crow

16/1/2026

Horned Lark

26/1/2026

Tree Swallow

46/1/2026

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 Nelson Lake Marsh Nature Preserve/Dick Young Forest Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Nelson Lake Marsh Nature Preserve/Dick Young Forest Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Nelson Lake Marsh Nature Preserve/Dick Young Forest Preserve?
Notable species at Nelson Lake Marsh Nature Preserve/Dick Young Forest Preserve include Canada Goose, American Wigeon, Mallard, Common Merganser, Ring-necked Pheasant. The area supports wetland, forest, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Nelson Lake Marsh Nature Preserve/Dick Young Forest Preserve?
Birding at Nelson Lake Marsh Nature Preserve/Dick Young Forest Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Nelson Lake Marsh Nature Preserve/Dick Young Forest Preserve?
Nelson Lake Marsh Nature Preserve/Dick Young Forest Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.