Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve
Illinois · Midwest
Moderate
April-May, September-October
About This Location
Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This forest and river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Hooded Merganser 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
Ross's Goose
Anser rossii
Tree Swallow
Tachycineta bicolor
European Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelis
Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)
Buteo jamaicensis
Horned Grebe
Podiceps auritus
Dark-eyed Junco (Oregon)
Junco hyemalis
Blue-winged Teal
Spatula discors
Whooping Crane
Grus americana
American White Pelican
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Canada Goose
Mallard
Hooded Merganser
Mourning Dove
Killdeer
Ring-billed Gull
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Blue Jay
European Starling
American Robin
American Goldfinch
American Tree Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Northern Cardinal
Red-breasted Merganser
Sandhill Crane
Bufflehead
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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Complete guide to birding in Illinois →