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

Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

6/2/2026Little Rock Creek Forest Preserve1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

5/31/20262923 Chevy Chase Ln2 observed

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

5/31/2026stakeout Painted Bunting, Aurora (2026)1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/30/2026Silver Springs SFWA--River Rd.1 observed

Kentucky Warbler

Geothlypis formosa

5/28/2026Saw Wee Kee Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

256/2/2026

Mourning Dove

16/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Northern Flicker

16/2/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

46/2/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

36/2/2026

Eastern Phoebe

26/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

26/2/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/2/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

16/2/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

6/2/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

6/2/2026

Blue Jay

16/2/2026

American Crow

26/2/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

66/2/2026

Tufted Titmouse

6/2/2026

Purple Martin

16/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

46/2/2026

Northern House Wren

16/2/2026

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.