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

Illinois · Midwest

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Habitat

ForestRiver/RiparianGrassland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

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

Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker Blue Jay White-breasted Nuthatch Eastern Bluebird

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

4/15/2026Bangs Lake--North1 observed

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

4/15/2026Square Barn Rd. and Mackeben Elementary School Fluddle1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/15/2026Darrell Rd. Marsh1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/15/2026Broadsmore Drive Ponds, Algonquin1 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

4/15/2026Ryerson Conservation Area1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

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

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/15/2026The Hollows Conservation Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

54/6/2026

Mallard

164/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

24/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

24/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/6/2026

Northern Flicker

14/6/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/6/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

14/6/2026

Brown Creeper

34/6/2026

Eastern Bluebird

24/6/2026

American Robin

14/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

14/6/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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Illinois Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Illinois →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

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.