Forest birding habitat

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - Sawmill Creek Area

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
ForestRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - Sawmill Creek Area is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 209 species recorded on eBird. This forest and river/riparian habitat attracts Common Goldeneye, Bald Eagle, and Belted Kingfisher 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

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

4/15/2026Oldfield Oaks Forest Preserve1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

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

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

4/15/20266360 151st St, Oak Forest US-IL (41.6174,-87.7757)1 observed

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

4/15/2026Thatcher Woods Forest Preserve1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/15/2026G.A.R. Woods1 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

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

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/14/2026Morton Arboretum--West Side1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

4/14/2026Morton Arboretum--East Side1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/14/2026Marquette Park1 observed

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

4/14/2026Marquette Park1 observed

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

4/14/2026Garfield Park1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Downy Woodpecker

14/15/2026

Blue Jay

34/15/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

24/15/2026

Tufted Titmouse

14/15/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/15/2026

Brown Creeper

14/15/2026

Eastern Bluebird

24/15/2026

American Robin

34/15/2026

House Finch

14/15/2026

American Goldfinch

14/15/2026

Song Sparrow

14/15/2026

Eastern Towhee

14/15/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

14/15/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

14/15/2026

Pine Warbler

24/15/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

24/15/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/15/2026

Canada Goose

24/15/2026

Wood Duck

24/15/2026

Mourning Dove

14/15/2026

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 - Sawmill Creek Area for birding?
The best months to visit Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - Sawmill Creek Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - Sawmill Creek Area?
Notable species at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - Sawmill Creek Area include Common Goldeneye, Bald Eagle, Belted Kingfisher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports forest, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - Sawmill Creek Area?
Birding at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - Sawmill Creek Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - Sawmill Creek Area?
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - Sawmill Creek Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.