Grassland birding habitat

Silver Springs SFWA

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Silver Springs SFWA is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland 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

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

4/15/20262076-2098 North 46th Road, Leland, Illinois, US (41.602, -88.772)3 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

4/15/20262076-2098 North 46th Road, Leland, Illinois, US (41.602, -88.772)1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/14/2026Waa Kee Sha Park1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

4/14/2026Oakhurst Forest Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

84/13/2026

Wild Turkey

14/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

74/13/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

14/13/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/13/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/13/2026

Northern Flicker

34/13/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

24/13/2026

American Robin

104/13/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

24/13/2026

White-throated Sparrow

44/13/2026

Eastern Towhee

14/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

64/13/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

14/13/2026

Northern Cardinal

54/13/2026

Mourning Dove

14/9/2026

Killdeer

14/9/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

34/9/2026

Blue Jay

14/9/2026

American Crow

14/9/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Silver Springs SFWA for birding?
The best months to visit Silver Springs SFWA for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Silver Springs SFWA?
Notable species at Silver Springs SFWA include Canada Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Mourning Dove, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Silver Springs SFWA?
Birding at Silver Springs SFWA is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Silver Springs SFWA?
Silver Springs SFWA offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.