Forest birding habitat

Poplar Creek Prairie/Carl R. Hansen (Shoe Factory) Woods

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
ForestRiver/RiparianGrassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Poplar Creek Prairie/Carl R. Hansen (Shoe Factory) Woods is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 217 species recorded on eBird. This forest and river/riparian habitat attracts Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, and Blue Jay 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

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

7/15/2026Paul Douglas Forest Preserve (Grassy Ridge Meadow)2 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

7/15/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)3 observed

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

7/12/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)3 observed

Eastern Whip-poor-will

Antrostomus vociferus

7/11/2026Perricone's Hideaway/Valley View, St. Charles1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

7/11/2026Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Double-crested Cormorant

57/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/16/2026

American Robin

17/16/2026

House Sparrow

17/16/2026

Canada Goose

7/16/2026

Wood Duck

47/16/2026

Mallard

87/16/2026

Mourning Dove

7/16/2026

Killdeer

17/16/2026

Caspian Tern

17/16/2026

Green Heron

27/16/2026

Great Egret

27/16/2026

Osprey

27/16/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/16/2026

Eastern Kingbird

37/16/2026

American Crow

17/16/2026

Tree Swallow

57/16/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

7/16/2026

Barn Swallow

27/16/2026

Sedge Wren

47/16/2026

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 Poplar Creek Prairie/Carl R. Hansen (Shoe Factory) Woods for birding?
The best months to visit Poplar Creek Prairie/Carl R. Hansen (Shoe Factory) Woods for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Poplar Creek Prairie/Carl R. Hansen (Shoe Factory) Woods?
Notable species at Poplar Creek Prairie/Carl R. Hansen (Shoe Factory) Woods include Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, White-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Bluebird. The area supports forest, river/riparian, grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Poplar Creek Prairie/Carl R. Hansen (Shoe Factory) Woods?
Birding at Poplar Creek Prairie/Carl R. Hansen (Shoe Factory) Woods is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Poplar Creek Prairie/Carl R. Hansen (Shoe Factory) Woods?
Poplar Creek Prairie/Carl R. Hansen (Shoe Factory) Woods offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.