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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

6/2/2026Richard Bong SRA--Observation Tower1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

6/2/2026Waukegan Beach2 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/2/2026Druce Lake1 observed

Bell's Vireo

Vireo bellii

6/2/2026Illinois Beach SP (North Unit)--general1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/2/2026Illinois Beach SP (South Unit)--general1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

6/2/2026Illinois Beach SP (South Unit)--general1 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

6/2/2026Illinois Beach SP (South Unit)--general1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

6/2/2026North Point Marina/State Line Beach, Winthrop Harbor1 observed

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

6/2/2026Johns-Manville Corp. Superfund Site (restricted access)1 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

6/2/2026Waukegan Beach2 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

6/1/2026Liberty Prairie Nature Preserve1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

6/1/2026Home-ish2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

325/31/2026

Mallard

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Least Bittern

15/31/2026

Great Egret

25/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

25/31/2026

Olive-sided Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/31/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

15/31/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/31/2026

Blue Jay

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

85/31/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

45/31/2026

Barn Swallow

25/31/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

25/31/2026

Northern House Wren

15/31/2026

European Starling

25/31/2026

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.