West Branch Forest Preserve
Illinois · Midwest
About This Location
West Branch Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 236 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, 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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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
Tennessee Warbler
Leiothlypis peregrina
Northern Mockingbird
Mimus polyglottos
Ruddy Duck
Oxyura jamaicensis
Lincoln's Sparrow
Melospiza lincolnii
Trumpeter Swan
Cygnus buccinator
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Sitta canadensis
Loggerhead Shrike
Lanius ludovicianus
Purple Finch
Haemorhous purpureus
Lesser Yellowlegs
Tringa flavipes
Red-shouldered Hawk
Buteo lineatus
Painted Bunting
Passerina ciris
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Mallard
Mourning Dove
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Killdeer
Double-crested Cormorant
Green Heron
Great Egret
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Great Crested Flycatcher
Eastern Kingbird
Eastern Warbling Vireo
Blue Jay
Tree Swallow
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Birding Tips
- 1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
- 2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
- 3
Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.
Amenities
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