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

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/20/2026Northbrook House New1 observed

American Black Duck

Anas rubripes

7/20/202610300 West Higgins Road, Rosemont, Illinois, US (42, -87.887)2 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

7/19/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

7/19/2026Daniel Wright Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/19/2026Sports Club Dr. Fluddles1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

7/19/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

7/15/2026Paul Douglas Forest Preserve (Grassy Ridge Meadow)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

17/9/2026

Killdeer

17/9/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/9/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/9/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/9/2026

Tree Swallow

27/9/2026

Northern House Wren

17/9/2026

American Robin

17/9/2026

House Sparrow

17/9/2026

House Finch

17/9/2026

American Goldfinch

17/9/2026

Savannah Sparrow

17/9/2026

Song Sparrow

17/9/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/9/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

17/9/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/9/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

17/9/2026

Gray Catbird

17/8/2026

American Redstart

17/8/2026

Indigo Bunting

17/8/2026

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.