Blackwell Forest Preserve - McKee Marsh

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
WetlandForest
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Blackwell Forest Preserve - McKee Marsh is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 251 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and forest habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, and Hairy Woodpecker 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

European Goldfinch

Carduelis carduelis

3/6/2026Busse Woods--Ned Brown Meadow4 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

3/5/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/5/2026US-IL-Bolingbrook-60440 - 41.7277x-88.07391 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

3/4/2026Bensenville Ditch1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/2/2026Busse Woods--south pool5 observed

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

3/1/2026Kline Creek Farm3 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

3/1/2026Fermilab (DuPage Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

13/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/2/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/2/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/2/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

13/2/2026

Canada Goose

622/25/2026

Mallard

122/25/2026

Turkey Vulture

12/25/2026

Bald Eagle

12/25/2026

Downy Woodpecker

42/25/2026

Blue Jay

22/25/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

12/25/2026

European Starling

22/25/2026

Eastern Bluebird

32/25/2026

American Robin

72/25/2026

American Tree Sparrow

22/25/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

102/25/2026

Song Sparrow

12/25/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

152/25/2026

Northern Cardinal

72/25/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Blackwell Forest Preserve - McKee Marsh for birding?
The best months to visit Blackwell Forest Preserve - McKee Marsh for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Blackwell Forest Preserve - McKee Marsh?
Notable species at Blackwell Forest Preserve - McKee Marsh include Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, Hairy Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports wetland, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Blackwell Forest Preserve - McKee Marsh?
Birding at Blackwell Forest Preserve - McKee Marsh is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Blackwell Forest Preserve - McKee Marsh?
Blackwell Forest Preserve - McKee Marsh offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.