River Bend Forest Preserve
Illinois · Midwest
Moderate
April-May, September-October
About This Location
River Bend Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 232 species recorded on eBird. This forest and river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Killdeer 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
Cerulean Warbler
Setophaga cerulea
Fish Crow
Corvus ossifragus
White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
American Golden-Plover
Pluvialis dominica
Purple Finch
Haemorhous purpureus
Brown Creeper
Certhia americana
Eurasian Tree Sparrow
Passer montanus
Mississippi Kite
Ictinia mississippiensis
White-rumped Sandpiper
Calidris fuscicollis
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Wood Duck
Mourning Dove
Green Heron
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
White-eyed Vireo
Eastern Warbling Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo
Blue Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Tree Swallow
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
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
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Complete guide to birding in Illinois →