Forest birding habitat

Pine Dunes Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Pine Dunes Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 217 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Sandhill Crane 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

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

7/19/2026Illinois Beach SP (North Unit)--general1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/19/2026Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

7/19/2026Chain-o-Lakes State Park1 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

7/19/2026Illinois Beach SP (South Unit)--Beach, Hotel, and Park Office1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/19/2026Sports Club Dr. Fluddles1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

7/19/2026Illinois Beach SP (North Unit)--Sand Pond and Beach Access Trails1 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

7/19/2026Illinois Beach SP (North Unit)--Sand Pond and Beach Access Trails6 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/18/2026North Point Marina--south end1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/17/2026Bur Oak Residence Lake Forest1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

7/15/2026Richard Bong SRA--Observation Tower5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

207/16/2026

Wood Duck

17/16/2026

Mallard

27/16/2026

Mourning Dove

37/16/2026

Sandhill Crane

27/16/2026

Killdeer

17/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

37/16/2026

Green Heron

17/16/2026

Northern Flicker

27/16/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/16/2026

Willow Flycatcher

17/16/2026

Eastern Kingbird

47/16/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

27/16/2026

American Crow

27/16/2026

Tree Swallow

27/16/2026

Barn Swallow

87/16/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/16/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/16/2026

Northern House Wren

17/16/2026

Marsh Wren

17/16/2026

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