Forest birding habitat

Spring Creek Forest Preserve - Penny Road Pond

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
ForestLakeRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Spring Creek Forest Preserve - Penny Road Pond is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 202 species recorded on eBird. This forest and lake habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

4/15/2026800 Academic Drive, Algonquin, Illinois, US (42.159, -88.374)1 observed

Eurasian Wigeon

Mareca penelope

4/15/2026Moraine Hills State Park1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

4/15/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/15/2026The Hollows Conservation Area1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

4/15/2026Sports Club Dr. Fluddles1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

4/15/2026Three Oaks Recreation Area2 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

4/15/2026Alleghany Park1 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

4/14/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

4/14/2026Union Rd. & Rt. 47 Fluddle1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

4/14/2026Chapman Rd, Burlington1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/13/2026

Ring-billed Gull

14/13/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/13/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/13/2026

Northern Flicker

54/13/2026

Blue Jay

44/13/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

64/13/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/13/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

14/13/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/13/2026

Winter Wren

24/13/2026

European Starling

24/13/2026

American Robin

14/13/2026

Purple Finch

14/13/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/13/2026

White-throated Sparrow

54/13/2026

Swamp Sparrow

14/13/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

304/13/2026

Rusty Blackbird

14/13/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

14/13/2026

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 Spring Creek Forest Preserve - Penny Road Pond for birding?
The best months to visit Spring Creek Forest Preserve - Penny Road Pond for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Spring Creek Forest Preserve - Penny Road Pond?
Notable species at Spring Creek Forest Preserve - Penny Road Pond include Red-eyed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager, Pileated Woodpecker, Wood Thrush, Ovenbird. The area supports forest, lake, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Spring Creek Forest Preserve - Penny Road Pond?
Birding at Spring Creek Forest Preserve - Penny Road Pond is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Spring Creek Forest Preserve - Penny Road Pond?
Spring Creek Forest Preserve - Penny Road Pond offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.