Blackwell Forest Preserve - Silver Lake area

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
ForestLake
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Blackwell Forest Preserve - Silver Lake area is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This forest and lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Ring-necked Duck 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

3/2/2026Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center31 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

Canada Goose

153/6/2026

Mute Swan

93/6/2026

Mallard

63/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

33/6/2026

Mourning Dove

33/6/2026

Killdeer

23/6/2026

Bald Eagle

13/6/2026

European Starling

43/6/2026

House Sparrow

53/6/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

23/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

153/6/2026

Northern Cardinal

23/6/2026

Redhead

23/6/2026

Common Merganser

63/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/6/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Northern Flicker

13/6/2026

Blue Jay

13/6/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

33/6/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

13/6/2026

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 Blackwell Forest Preserve - Silver Lake area for birding?
The best months to visit Blackwell Forest Preserve - Silver Lake area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Blackwell Forest Preserve - Silver Lake area?
Notable species at Blackwell Forest Preserve - Silver Lake area include Canada Goose, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk. The area supports forest, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Blackwell Forest Preserve - Silver Lake area?
Birding at Blackwell Forest Preserve - Silver Lake area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Blackwell Forest Preserve - Silver Lake area?
Blackwell Forest Preserve - Silver Lake area offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.