Grassland birding habitat

Woodford SFWA

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Woodford SFWA is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 232 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Sandhill Crane, Greater White-fronted Goose, and Canada Goose 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 Loon

Gavia immer

5/25/2026Camp Dallas, Spring Bay1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/25/2026Jubilee College State Park1 observed

Fish Crow

Corvus ossifragus

5/24/202661611, East Peoria US-IL (40.6862,-89.5777)1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

5/23/2026Pleasantview Rd, Washburn US-IL1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-headed Woodpecker

25/22/2026

Eastern Kingbird

15/22/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/22/2026

European Starling

25/22/2026

American Robin

25/22/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

15/22/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/22/2026

Mallard

25/21/2026

Killdeer

25/21/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

125/21/2026

Northern Flicker

25/21/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

15/21/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

45/21/2026

Northern House Wren

15/21/2026

Carolina Wren

15/21/2026

Gray Catbird

15/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

35/21/2026

Common Yellowthroat

15/21/2026

Dickcissel

15/21/2026

Canada Goose

55/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  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 Woodford SFWA for birding?
The best months to visit Woodford SFWA for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Woodford SFWA?
Notable species at Woodford SFWA include Sandhill Crane, Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Gadwall. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Woodford SFWA?
Birding at Woodford SFWA is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Woodford SFWA?
Woodford SFWA offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.