Forest birding habitat

Oakhurst Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Oakhurst Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 216 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Common Merganser 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

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

4/15/2026Whalon Lake Forest Preserve1 observed

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

4/15/2026Oldfield Oaks Forest Preserve1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

4/15/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

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

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

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

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/14/2026Waa Kee Sha Park1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

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

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

94/14/2026

Mallard

74/14/2026

Mourning Dove

24/14/2026

American Coot

314/14/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/14/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

34/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/14/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

34/14/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/14/2026

Northern Flicker

44/14/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/14/2026

Blue Jay

64/14/2026

Barn Swallow

14/14/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

24/14/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/14/2026

Brown Creeper

14/14/2026

European Starling

54/14/2026

American Robin

164/14/2026

House Sparrow

34/14/2026

House Finch

24/14/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

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