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

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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

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

6/2/2026Douglass Park2 observed

Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

6/2/2026Cap Sauers Holdings Forest Preserve1 observed

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

6/2/2026Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

6/2/2026Cosley Zoo1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

6/1/202657-80 Warehouse Campus Retention Ponds1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

6/1/2026College of DuPage--B.J. Hoddinott Wildlife Sanctuary1 observed

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

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

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

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

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Flicker

16/1/2026

Indigo Bunting

16/1/2026

Chimney Swift

15/26/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/26/2026

Blue Jay

95/26/2026

Gray Catbird

15/26/2026

American Robin

65/26/2026

Baltimore Oriole

15/26/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

45/26/2026

Northern Cardinal

35/26/2026

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

15/26/2026

Eastern Kingbird

25/20/2026

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.