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

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

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

4/15/2026Whalon Lake Forest Preserve1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

4/15/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)2 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

4/14/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

4/14/2026Chapman Rd, Burlington1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/14/2026Morton Arboretum--West Side1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/12/2026

Mallard

14/12/2026

Sandhill Crane

24/12/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/12/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/12/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/12/2026

Hermit Thrush

34/12/2026

American Robin

34/12/2026

White-throated Sparrow

34/12/2026

Song Sparrow

4/12/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

4/12/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

4/12/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/11/2026

Northern Flicker

14/11/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

24/11/2026

Brown Creeper

24/11/2026

Brown Thrasher

44/11/2026

Purple Finch

14/11/2026

Swamp Sparrow

24/11/2026

Common Grackle

14/11/2026

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.