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

Northern Bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

6/1/2026Union Rd. & Hemmingsen Rd. Fluddle1 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

6/1/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/1/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

6/1/2026Muirhead Springs Forest Preserve2 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

6/1/2026Fabyan Forest Preserve1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/31/2026Moraine Hills SP--McHenry Dam/Black Tern Marsh1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

5/31/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

5/31/2026Deer Park Mall Ponds1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/31/2026Burnidge Forest Preserve1 observed

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

5/31/2026Bridge over Des Plaines River Trail1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

5/30/2026Pratt's Wayne Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

5/29/2026Seeman Rd. Fluddle5 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/29/20261267 Kessler Dr, Mundelein US-IL 42.28028, -88.048361 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/28/2026Oak Ridge Marsh Nature Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

16/1/2026

Mourning Dove

36/1/2026

Chimney Swift

26/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

26/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

16/1/2026

Northern Flicker

36/1/2026

American Kestrel

26/1/2026

Willow Flycatcher

36/1/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

26/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

26/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/1/2026

Blue Jay

16/1/2026

American Crow

16/1/2026

Tree Swallow

46/1/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

16/1/2026

Barn Swallow

86/1/2026

European Starling

66/1/2026

Gray Catbird

36/1/2026

Brown Thrasher

26/1/2026

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.