Forest birding habitat

Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve (Wadsworth Wetlands)

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
ForestGrassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve (Wadsworth Wetlands) is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 228 species recorded on eBird. This forest and grassland 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

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

7/17/2026Great Lakes Naval Training Center (restricted access)1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

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

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/14/2026Hosah Park1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

7/14/2026Saddle Hill Rd, Green Oaks, Libertyville2 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

7/13/2026Illinois Beach SP (North Unit)--general1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/11/2026North Point Marina--south end1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

7/10/2026Petrifying Springs Park2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

87/16/2026

Mallard

97/16/2026

Mourning Dove

67/16/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/16/2026

Virginia Rail

17/16/2026

Sandhill Crane

27/16/2026

Killdeer

17/16/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/16/2026

Caspian Tern

27/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

67/16/2026

Green Heron

37/16/2026

Great Egret

57/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

57/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/16/2026

Bald Eagle

27/16/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/16/2026

Northern Flicker

17/16/2026

Willow Flycatcher

27/16/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/16/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

37/16/2026

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 Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve (Wadsworth Wetlands) for birding?
The best months to visit Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve (Wadsworth Wetlands) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve (Wadsworth Wetlands)?
Notable species at Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve (Wadsworth Wetlands) include Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Bald Eagle, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports forest, grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve (Wadsworth Wetlands)?
Birding at Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve (Wadsworth Wetlands) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve (Wadsworth Wetlands)?
Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve (Wadsworth Wetlands) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.