Forest birding habitat

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
Forest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Mallard among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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 Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

4/17/2026Hidden Lake Forest Preserve1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/17/2026Westell1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/17/2026Morton Arboretum--West Side1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/17/2026Blackwell Forest Preserve--Silver Lake area2 observed

Ring-necked Pheasant

Phasianus colchicus

4/17/2026Orland Grassland1 observed

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

4/17/2026Orland Grassland3 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/17/2026Marquette Park1 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

4/17/2026Marquette Park1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/17/2026McClaughrey Spring Woods1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/16/2026Arrowhead Lake Forest Preserve2 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

4/16/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

24/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/14/2026

Cooper's Hawk

14/14/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/14/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/14/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

14/14/2026

Northern Flicker

14/14/2026

Merlin

14/14/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/14/2026

Blue Jay

74/14/2026

American Crow

24/14/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

14/14/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/14/2026

Barn Swallow

24/14/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/14/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

14/14/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/14/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

14/14/2026

Brown Creeper

14/14/2026

Northern House Wren

14/14/2026

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 Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve?
Notable species at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Hooded Merganser. The area supports forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve?
Birding at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve?
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.