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

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

6/1/2026Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

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

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

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

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

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

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

6/1/2026767 Torrington Drive, Naperville, Illinois, US (41.745, -88.158)

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

Mallard

25/30/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/30/2026

Barn Swallow

65/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

35/30/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

25/30/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/29/2026

Ring-billed Gull

35/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

65/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/29/2026

Broad-winged Hawk

15/29/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/29/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

25/29/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/29/2026

Northern Flicker

25/29/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

35/29/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

105/29/2026

Blue Jay

35/29/2026

Tree Swallow

25/29/2026

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.